Is there a difference between allergies and a cold?

I have spent two days outside over the weekend, planting flowers. The night I got them flowers done, I started getting sick. It started with a scratchy throat and cough. Then the next day, I was all congested, sinuses, and coughing, and losing my voice. I am wondering is there a difference between allergies and cold. I have never been checked for allergies, but several family members have them.