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Choose Conifers Carefully

An old fireplace that's been reconstituted as an aquarium is the focal point in this patio by Dan Berger. Juniper, spruce and other conifers depend on wind to spread their pollen, so they cause more allergic reactions than do colorful flowers like salvia, which are typically pollinated by insects. If you're allergic to wind-blown pollen from conifers, avoid working in the yard in early spring when that type of pollen is at its peak.