Shrubs can contribute to allergies if they are wind-pollinated, as they release large amounts of pollen that can trigger allergic reactions, but insect-pollinated shrubs like azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias are much less likely to cause issues. By choosing low-pollen shrubs and maintaining a well-kept garden, you can create a more allergy-friendly outdoor space while still enjoying the beauty and structure that shrubs provide.

Creating an allergy-friendly garden involves choosing plants that produce minimal pollen, such as insect-pollinated flowers, shrubs, and trees like tulips, azaleas, and dogwood, which release less airborne pollen. Avoid high-pollen plants like grasses, oak, and ragweed, and incorporate groundcovers, female plants, and regular maintenance to further reduce allergens and create a comfortable outdoor space.

Selecting female plants for your garden is a simple way to reduce allergens, as they do not release pollen into the air like male plants do. Many tree and shrub species, as well as certain flowering plants, have male and female varieties, with female plants being ideal for minimizing allergic reactions. By focusing on female plants, you can enjoy a beautiful, allergy-friendly garden while lowering the risk of triggering pollen allergies.

An allergy-friendly garden focuses on using low-pollen plants and strategic design to reduce allergens. Regular maintenance, choosing the right plant varieties, and adding non-plant elements can create a comfortable and healthier outdoor space.

The climate crisis has lengthened and intensified allergy seasons, with rising temperatures and CO2 levels increasing pollen production and spread. New weather patterns expose more people to unfamiliar allergens, posing growing health challenges.

T and B lymphocytes gather in lymphatic tissues to detect and fight pathogens. If macrophages can't eliminate bacteria, these cells are activated, with T cells attacking infected cells and B cells producing antibodies. Memory cells then enable a faster response if the pathogen returns.