The brand new Green Living project with feature at this year's Homemaker's Expo. Here are some of their tips for a green garden:

Every day we hear about global warming, the extinction of rare animals, and other ecological disasters. We feel bad, but what can we actually do about it?

Green, sustainable and eco-friendly garden design does not mean you have to compromise on a beautiful garden. In fact careful, considered thought about materials and how they are used often leads to better design and better results.

• Consider using indigenous and drought tolerant plants. This will save water, and time, since you won't need to water them every five minutes.
• Only use organic compost and fertiliser. Ask your local nursery if they stock it or where you can get it.
• Almost every landscape material you choose to use will have an environmental impact, but some are more eco-friendly than others. Compromise is rarely avoidable, so the trick is to weigh up the facts and make an informed decision to use the less damaging materials.
• Ask yourself three simple questions when assessing how sustainable your landscaping materials are: How much energy was used to source, manufacture and install them? How much energy was used to transport them? How do the materials behave in the garden?
• Use locally sourced materials and cut down on road miles.
• Use recycled materials where possible.
• Rainfall is becoming less predictable in our changing climate and so an important part of sustainable garden design planning relates to the management of rainwater. A better solution is the storage of grey water and rainwater in an underground tank. This is a far more practical solution as the water can be pumped directly from the tank and used to flush toilets, feed the washing machine and irrigate the garden. Surprisingly, only five percent of the water we use needs to be drinking water!
• Cuttings from the garden can be added to the compost heap, instead of put in a plastic bag and thrown in the garbage.
• Alien/Invader species that are cut down can be used for Pergolas and trellises.
• Recycled materials may well cost more than new materials, but remember that recycled brick, stone and timber will immediately give a scheme character and make your garden design look established — as well as improving its green credentials.

There should be no wastage in a green garden and the aim of the garden is to attract birds and insects to a safe haven. Ensuring you follow the above, you will have an abundance of fauna and flora that you can enjoy for years to come.

One of the highlights at this year's Johannesburg Homemakers Expo, on from 19 to 22 February 2009 at the Coca Cola Dome in Northgate, will be the brand new Green Living project. An interactive house, encompassing rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, living area, bedroom and outdoor area, will show visitors how to be more eco-friendly in a practical and educational way.