In an English Country Garden
Gardening is an agreeable way to pass the time for us Brits, with an estimated £6.5 billion expected to be spent on our gardens each year by 2025. A recent survey revealed owning a gnome was the second most popular gardening trend topped only by having a veggie patch; with 15% of us owning one. Do these jolly little figures add to our love of gardening?
Allergy-Friendly Gardening
As we move through the summer months grass pollen levels continue to peak through August. And then it’s time for nettle pollen to come into its own, along with mugwort and plantain, and whilst these weeds are great for wildlife they can cause allergic reactions such as hayfever and hives.
Want to enjoy the garden without letting allergies hold you back? Here are some top tips to help:
- Pollen that causes allergic reactions are airborne pollens; they are mass produced and travel on the wind making them easily inhaled by us. Chose insect pollenated plants to reduce the allergens in your garden.
- Chose bright colour flowers which are attractive to insects and avoid decorative grasses.
- Change your lawn to thyme or chamomile, both of which are insect pollinated or keep your grass cut short and wear a filter mask when mowing.
- The pollen count is highest between 5 am and 10 am and again at dusk, so try to avoid working in the garden during these times and aim for when the pollen count is lower.
- The best time to be outside in the garden is after rain as this helps to clear the pollen from the air.
- Keep an eye on the pollen forecasts and take allergy relief before you venture outside if necessary.
Mowing the Lawn and Combating Pollen: Gardening with Allergies
Thanks to Edwin Beard Budding, who patented the world’s first lawn mower on 31st August in 1830, gardening got a whole lot easier. Edwin was a mechanic working on and building machinery for Stroud textile mills and got the idea from the cross-cutting machines used to finish woollen cloth. As grass was previously cut by hand using a scythe, the invention had a worldwide impact on gardens and on sports fields.
Are you amongst the 35% of people who like to grow your own veggies, herbs, and fruit? Maybe you are part of the 87% that hope to encourage more wildlife into your garden? Or do you aspire for the perfect lawn? Either way if you have a pollen allergy, a lawn mower may not be the only helping hand you might reach for this summer.
Don’t let pollen keep your green fingers out of the garden—take a look at our hints and tips and find out how to ease symptoms.
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Zirtek Allergy film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief for Children oral solution (6+) and Zirtek Allergy Solution oral solution (2+) contain cetirizine dihydrochloride. Always read the leaflet.
Zirtek is for the relief from itchy watery eyes, blocked or runny nose and sneezing caused by hayfever and winter allergens such as dust, pets and moulds as well as allergic itchy skin rashes (hives).
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, or for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your condition.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Adverse events should also be reported to UCB Pharma Ltd at ucbcares.uk@ucb.com or 0800 2793177
References are available upon request.
UCB Pharma Ltd
208 Bath Road
Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE
Email: ucbcares.uk@ucb.com
Tel: 01753 777 100
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