As spring greens up landscapes and forests across Virginia, hay fever makes a comeback.

Budding trees in early spring kick off the first phase of peak pollen season, which typically lasts through fall in Virginia. As windblown pollens reach sensitive noses, eyes and lungs everywhere, many may opt to stay inside until the itchiness subsides—unless they have gardening plans.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, gardeners can lessen their chances of exposure to allergens by:

• Avoiding working in the garden when pollen counts are high.
• Staying indoors on windy days during peak pollen seasons.
• Covering their bodies when gardening or mowing the lawn and wearing a dust mask to filter out pollen.
• Showering well and washing gardening clothes after working outside.
• Avoiding hanging laundry outdoors on high pollen count days.
• Closing the windows when they or their neighbors mow the lawn and keeping them closed for a few hours afterwards.

Gardeners also can limit exposure to allergens throughout peak pollen season by choosing low-allergen plants for the garden. A general rule of thumb is to look for showy or brightly colored flowers—these are usually insect- or animal-pollinated rather than wind-pollinated.

For a low-allergy garden, The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends choosing annuals like snapdragons, phlox, petunias, nasturtiums and verbena; or perennials such as delphinium, peonies, campanulas and hollyhocks. Hydrangeas, hostas, yuccas and weigelas also are good plants to consider.

Allergen-producing plants that sensitive gardeners may want to avoid include ornamental grasses, marigolds, asters, coneflowers, sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos. They also may want to leave out climbers like trumpet vine and morning glories, and shrubs like elder, daphne, clethra and lilac.

Visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac website for more information.