Make a Gardening Allergy Kit

Horticulturalist and landscape architect Rachel Hart works in Reno, Nevada, “an allergy hotspot!” she says. Even her company’s name, Artemesia Landscape Architecture pays tribute to her state’s notoriously allergenic state flower.

Her work integrates nature with the built environment. Because she’s working with native – and often allergenic – plants, she has made allergy kits. Here are her recommendations:

Gloves and covering gear

• Research your plants to know how best to cover yourself. Many plants drip sap or milk that can cause allergy symptoms.

• Cover any part of your body that come into contact with plants and grasses.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and gloves.

Eyewear

• Wear sunglasses when working in the garden to protect your eyes from windborne allergens.

• If your eyes are extra sensitive to garden debris, get goggles.

Saline Spray/ Eye Drops

• The use of a simple saline spray and lubricating eye drops can reduce the effects of airborne allergens and may help sneezy and itchy, watery eyes to a minimum.

Soap

• Wash your hands with soap throughout the day.

• Shower right after gardening.

• Always wash your hands and face.

Laundry Detergent

• Try to keep your “outside clothes” out of your living area.

• Put clothes directly in the laundry room or washer to reduce any long-term contact with the dust and pollen that has attached to your clothing.

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