The joys of gardening frequently elude people with allergies, with the pollen from trees, shrubs and grasses sparking a deluge of sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and, for some, asthma attacks.

But allergy-sensitive folks can minimize the effects of their exposure to allergens, not only through medications and allergy immunotherapy treatments, but also by learning some simple science.

For example, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says, pollen counts are lower on rainy, cloudy and windless days.

And some greenery is harder on people with allergies than other varieties. Among the highly allergenic trees and grasses to avoid are ash, cedar, cottonwood, oak, maple, pine, saltgrass and timothy, the AAAAI says.

Among the flowers, trees and grasses less likely to produce bothersome pollen: cacti, cherry, dahlia, daisy, geranium, iris, magnolia, rose, snapdragon and tulips.

Other tips from the association:

• Avoid touching your eyes or face when working around plants likely to cause an allergic reaction.

• Consider wearing a mask to reduce the amount of pollen spores that you breathe in.

• Wear gloves, long sleeves and pants to minimize skin contact with allergens.

• Leave gardening tools and clothing like gloves and shoes outside to avoid bringing allergens indoors.

• Shower immediately after gardening or doing other yard work.

If you do not know what you're allergic to, an allergist/immunologist can do tests to identify offenders. Such a specialist also is trained to manage treatment of allergies and immunologic disease.

To find an allergist/immunologist near you, check the AAAAI Web site at aaaai.org.