This past Saturday, I spent the day gardening as you read in my previous post. What I did not tell you is that by the time I went to bed my face had blown up like a balloon from some kind of allergy. I also experienced inflammation in my eyes (one eye was completely shut) and an itchy, red rash. It became so bad that I had to miss work on Monday and go to the doctor.
I have no idea what caused this allergy. I am sure it wasn't a bite from a spider, bee, or other insect since I would have felt it. I believe it must have been a plant I came in contact with. Whatever it was, it has never given me any problems before. I have a small suspicion it may have been the Marigolds I pruned without my gloves (of course, I can't be sure). I often rub my face while gardening but never before with any reaction such as this. Until I find out exactly what caused this allergy, I must be much more careful and use gardening gloves all the time. My doctor tells me that the next time the reaction might be even more severe (if that is possible!).
On a more positive note, the first Hollyhock flower of the season opened today. I know that this may seem lame and it would not make news in your gardens but they are my all-time favorite flower. I am always picking up pods of seeds every time I see a plant so when I plant them, I can be surprised by what color flower is revealed! This purple one is beautiful and definitely a keeper.
I have no idea what caused this allergy. I am sure it wasn't a bite from a spider, bee, or other insect since I would have felt it. I believe it must have been a plant I came in contact with. Whatever it was, it has never given me any problems before. I have a small suspicion it may have been the Marigolds I pruned without my gloves (of course, I can't be sure). I often rub my face while gardening but never before with any reaction such as this. Until I find out exactly what caused this allergy, I must be much more careful and use gardening gloves all the time. My doctor tells me that the next time the reaction might be even more severe (if that is possible!).
On a more positive note, the first Hollyhock flower of the season opened today. I know that this may seem lame and it would not make news in your gardens but they are my all-time favorite flower. I am always picking up pods of seeds every time I see a plant so when I plant them, I can be surprised by what color flower is revealed! This purple one is beautiful and definitely a keeper.
8 comments:
Marigolds creep me out. They smell funny and just seem itchy to me. I only use them to keep other critters outta my garden - see, other critters know to stay away.
So sorry to hear of that-be careful. I had a terrible allergic reaction to rubber plant,and keep that out of my garden!
Oh my, do be careful. I wonder what it could have been that caused you to puff up like that!
The Holihock is lovely.
Do be careful....I have an allergy to nettle and pampus grass. It is also severe like yours. I always wear gloves with these plants and have antihistamine around.
The hollyhock is beautiful. They are a cottage garden plant here, and I love the way they fit in to that environment.
Gardening is not without danger. Hopefully you will find out what was causing it to prevent it from happening again. I hope that you are feeling better now.
Sorry to hear about your bad reaction. Hope you are all over it and that it doesn't happen again.
I hope you are okay! I wonder what it might be? I've had a minor problem with lantana. Hope you find out soon.
Hi Rusty. sorry to hear you have had an allergic reaction to a plant in your garden, hope you took antihistamine to help with the rash and swelling..
Btw, you dont feel a spider bite, My Hubby(Dec) was bitten by a redback and didnt realize till he started to feel ill spent overnight in hospital and took a couple of weeks to get over it...
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