Pretty plot that’s no sneezing matter

DESIGNERS of one of the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show created a plot that is not to be sneezed at – literally.

The low-allergen garden was designed for the University of Worcester to provide a tranquil spot for staff and students to sit and relax.

The design by Olivia Kirk, of KKE Architects, aims to complement the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the university, which works on conditions including hay fever and asthma.

Kirk said the design showed “you can have a beautiful garden and be low-allergen”, providing a spot where people can enjoy the outdoors without suffering from pollen-related allergies such as hay fever.

She said the garden contained mainly foliage plants but there were also flowers which did not release much pollen into the air, such as irises and peonies. The trick with low-allergen gardens was to avoid plants which were wind-pollinated as they tended to have more and lighter pollen which stayed in the air more easily.

All the plants used in the garden were easily available, she added.

The garden will be relocated to the research unit at the university after the Chelsea Flower Show.