FEBRUARY I MARCH 2021 birdsandblooms.com 19
handling less abrasive
plants like blanket flower,
bleeding heart, amaryllis
or baby’s breath.
LEARN TO MANAGE
Warren emphasized that
the most effective way
to manage allergies is to
“get tested, get treated.”
It is important to know
what you are allergic
to—or if you are allergic
at all. Sneezing can be
a sign of allergies, but
it can also be caused by
irritants that are better
controlled by masks than
medication. Testing will
tell you what to avoid and
what can bring you relief.
PRACTICAL SWAPS
Warren points out that
pollen has the potential
to travel vast distances,
so removing large trees
“is not practical —or
even desirable.”
You can avoid stirring
up clouds of pollen by
replacing grass with a
ground cover that does
not require mowing. If
you don’t want to give
up your lawn, consider
hiring someone to handle
this chore.
Always remove poison
ivy, stinging nettle and
other irritating plants
from your yard. Be sure
to wear gloves when
BEFORE AND AFTER
Follow these steps to limit allergy symptoms
caused by gardening.
Zinnias reproduce
via insects. Bees
love them and
they’re easy on
allergies.
- Wear a face mask when mowing, raking leaves,
turning compost or spreading mulch. Goggles,
hats, gloves and long sleeves also help.
- Start any recommended preventive medications
about a week before pollen season begins.
- Remove shoes and outerwear outdoors after
completing work in the garden. Shower and
change clothes immediately after coming inside.
- Use saline rinses and sprays to help remove
allergens and irritants from your nasal passages.