Getting rid of the spring blues
Spring is that time of year that brings such a burst of energy with our landscape and garden plants in full bloom, trees clothed with beautiful leaves, birds flying in the open blue skies as butterflies and bees can be seen going about their daily business, squirrels, and rabbits moving about gathering food as the rest of nature moves about in perfect order which lets us know that winter has past and spring is here.
But then for many, this is not an exciting time of year because with the spring season comes sneezing with itching eyes and runny nose as the doctor’s office is paid a visit a trip to the pharmacy as the medication is brought to bring relief. Springtime should be a fun time when we are up and about in the great outdoors connecting and enjoying all that nature has to offer but there are some plants while dazzling in appearance can be a nightmare for those who come in contact with them.
The good news, however, is you can beat the spring blues and still enjoy your garden area by ensuring these plants which flares up your allergies are not a part of your garden. Why should you avoid your garden area that was met to be enjoyed by bringing rest and relaxation? avoiding these plants will help you to stop singing the blues and change your tune that says I welcome spring and I am so happy that it is here.
Plants That Cause Allergies
While this post may not cover all of those plants which are responsible for allergies you will be of to a good start as to what to avoid so that you can have the best spring ever. With that said here are some plants to avoid and to include in your spring garden.
Grasses
When it comes to having a lawn there is nothing more beautiful. What I love and what can really give that wow to a home and garden area is a nice manicured lawn that is growing healthy but for some, this is not an enjoyable experience. If you are one of those that has a lawn but avoid going outdoors you should consider the type of lawn you have that may be causing allergies. Here are a few you may want to stay clear from.
- Bermuda Grass
- Rye
- Kentucky
- Timothy
- Orchard
- Johnson
- Sweet Vernal
- Redtop
- Fescue
You may want to replace your grass with St Augustine which is a beautiful lawn that grows nice and healthy once taken care of.
Shrubs
What about shrubs? Shrubs are really great to have. I have worked with many of them over the years, love how full they grow along with the beautiful leaves and flowers they produce but you may say that I can live without shrubs which is perfectly fine but the good news is you can have your cake and eat it too. Here are some shrubs to avoid that may stir up your allergies and a few you can replace them with.
Run for your life
- Hibiscus
- Jasmine
- Forsythia
- Viburnum
- Boxwood
- Azaleas
You may want to consider these shrubs
- Copper Leaf
- Gardenias
- Hollies
- Rose Bushes
- Red twig dogwood
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
Herbs
Herbs are heaven sent because of the many benefits they offer, I love cooking with herbs because they can give your foods that WOW but there are some herbs that have been known to have an allergic effect on persons so if you are one of those don’t despair because there are some herbs which can spice up your life without any allergic effect so without further a due here we go.
These are a NO, NO
- Chamomile
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Milk Thistle
Try these herbs instead
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Turmeric
- Nettle
- Mullein Leaf
- Butterbur
Flowers
Flowers, who don’t love flowers right, there are so many of them to choose from, and what a way to show that spring is here than by beautiful clusters of flowers that nature has on display. Can you imagine a meadow or some other type of flower garden with a burst of flowers in an array of colors this is just breathe taking? I have seen many garden designs that were really awesome with this kind of display. If you are thinking about filling your garden with spring flowers then here are a few to avoid and a few which can be added for you to enjoy
Avoid these flowering plant
- Daisies
- Sunflowers
- Dahlias
- Chrysanthemums
- Aster
- Chamomile
- Goldenrod
These are a better choice
- Lilies
- Hosta
- Zinnia
- Tulips
- Periwinkle
- Iris
- Peace Lily
- Common Dasiy
- Chinese Evergreens
Trees
Trees have their part to play in nature, they help to provide a home and food for wildlife bring balance to the eco-system but as good as this may seem there are some trees that cause an allergic reaction here are a few to avoid and a few to add to your landscapes.
Take cover from these trees
- Maple
- Cottonwood
- Oak
- Ash
- Cedar
- Pecan
- Mulberry
- Beech
- Sycamore
- Birch
These trees can work
- Tulip Tree
- Red cedar trees
- Dogwood Trees
- Pacific Crabapple
- Ginkgo Trees
- Crepe myrtle tree
- Southern magnolia tree
- Silver maple trees
Additional Information
Flowering plants that are highly fragrant or produces too much pollen may be a NO, NO for those that have allergies.
The final word
Is it not so great to know that you can still enjoy your spring garden, it’s all a matter of selecting the right plant. Spring should not be a time to dread but a time to enjoy as we connect with nature during this time of year so embrace this season with its burst of energy as all of nature comes to life in a most spectacular way as we get out of our tools and gloves once again heading into our garden oasis as we work hand and hand with nature.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
My daughter has terrible seasonal allergies. They aren’t so bad that we’ve been to the allergist, but they do make her crazy in the Spring. Whatever plant she’s allergic to comes up in Spring and goes away in Summer, because her allergy only lasts a few months, but she hates it. I gave her the link to this article, so she can at least avoid buying some of these plants and know what ones would most likely not cause her problems. Thanks so much.
Hi! Spring is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, our refreshing landscape also refreshes us. But as you have stated, there are plants we should avoid.
I’m grateful you have put together such a detailed list. Following your advice is easy, you have already done the difficult part for us researching what we could have and what we shouldn’t in our garden.
Thanks for also mentioning these alternatives. I’ll definitely try Rose Bushes and Garlic. Thank you very much!
Fantastic all-in-one guide. Yes, I’ve had horrific experiences with Bermuda grass and while I don’t get allergies like I once did, it’s not a pleasant feeling in the slightest back in the day when I was exposed to this grass in the spring. I truly believe that changing my nutrition and exercise lifestyle into a clean and active one helped me defeat these allergies. I did this at a very young age and my results have been more than positive. If one can’t curtail allergies like I have, this guide gives you the true ins and outs on plants you shouldn’t be around during allergy season.
Hello, allergies can really put a damper on things, the good however is in having knowledge in what to do. So sorry that you have had bad experiences but with the proper education on allergies we can live a happy life enjoying nature in the great outdoors. So happy to hear from you. Have a good day.