Introduction to the Low Allergen Planting Planner

I have researched this topic over the last 10 years, since I created a Low Allergen garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower show in 2010.  Since then, I have given lectures and talks on numerous occasions.  Generally at the end of each session I am asked, when will I be writing a book? 

This is a complex subject and there is very little written or easily available online about low allergen planting.  As a garden designer myself, I absolutely see there is a need for a straight-forward, easily used reference.  The idea for this planner was born from the fact that when planning a garden or border it is useful to see the plants and growing information next to each other, hence the idea of cards that you can shuffle around a table as you would plants on the ready prepared soil. 

The planner is in sections, so you can start with the structure and backbone decisions, then you can fill in the planting combinations you would like from the shrubs, herbaceous and ground cover options.  The information on the back of each card tells you whether or not the conditions you have in your garden are going to suit the choices you are considering. 

Although a low allergen garden could and in certain cases should leave out all plants that are poisonous, any that will cause rashes etc. there is plenty of easily available information covering these issues.  The focus of this planner is the harder to find information – which plants to choose that won’t cause runny noses, itchy eyes, wheezing and asthma.  Having a garden that is a year-round oasis  and not a trial in the summer months is perfectly possible. 

I hope you find this planner a valuable addition to your library as well as a useful tool to show which plants you propose to use for a client, studio project or just visual thinking for your own garden. I do plan to write extensions to the sections included so far, as there are many more wonderful plants to include.