Garden walks and public garden tour events are "heating" up - along with the temperatures and humidity.
Here's some hints that might make your experience a little better, more comfortable and healthier.
- Check out the forecast for the day you plan to be touring, then be prepared.
- Some events are in the evening hours when it's a little cooler.
- Take a light colored umbrella to provide shade. A small one that folds with a loop handle.
- Don't carry - pull. Use a wheeled small carrier for all your stuff. Call ahead of time to see if it's allowed.
- Drink LOTS of water. Nothing else hydrates better than water. Alcohol causes dehydration.
- Have a light colored hat that allows air to circulate; loosely woven with cotton inside binding.
- Use sunscreen and re apply. The non greasy ones aren't as hot. Some come with insect repellent.
- Tennis shoes with white cotton socks. Sandals with leather not plastic insides.
- Put baby powder on after your morning shower especially in creases and where clothes bind.
- Cotton clothes and underclothes absorb moisture. Synthetics seldom breaths.
- Dark colored anything absorbs heat and you'll be hotter. .
- Lot's of hair products lay on the scalp and your head will be hot.
- Putting loads of cream on your body is akin to wrapping yourself in plastic wrap - it doesn't breath.
- Fragrance intensifies when you sweat and attracts insects.
- A large cotton handkerchief has many uses. Draped over the back of your neck, wet and laid on top your head, wipe off sweat and clean off sticky hands.
- Disinfectant (no water) hand wash is mostly alcohol. Cleaning your hands with it will make them feel cooler.
- Consider taking one of those little portable folding fans.
- Sunglasses help protect the eyes from the glare and damage by too much sun.
- Take a lot of breaks in the shade.
- If the option is available, walk on soft surfaces instead of concrete.
- Eat regular light meals or snacks. Relax and sit in the shade while eating.
- Stroll instead of rushing.
- Understand your medications and how they react with heat and sun.
- The older and the younger a person is, the easier it is to be bothered by too much sun & heat.
Get out of the sun and drink lots of water if you:
- stop sweating
- get a headache
- are dizzy or weak
- urine is dark and strong smelling
- Severe pain
- Severe blistering
- A headache that's very painful
- Are confused
- Nausea or vomiting
- Faint
- Your existing medical condition becomes acute.
Photos from top to bottom: (Evening Island at the Chicago Botanical Gardens) (Missouri Botanical Garden) (Colonial Williamsburg VA historic gardens) (Oakes 2011 Daylily Festival) (Hollister House Garden, Washington CN).