Greener garden for the world's poor

Christian Aid

Visitors to Grand Designs Live NEC, Birmingham (5-7 Oct 2007) will be invited to visit the ultimate Green Garden and learn how to transform their own gardens stylishly while helping to tackle climate change. Sustainability is the central theme for the 2007 show and the Green Garden created by Christian Aid and the Eden Project will be a highlight of the show.

Grand Designs Live is based on the successful talkback THAMES series for Channel 4, which is presented by design guru Kevin McCloud. 'We are committed to being as green as possible,' said Mr McCloud 'Sustainability has moved from being a fringe issue to something that touches every aspect of our lives.'

The Green Garden will showcase the latest eco-garden design and planting ideas, with innovative and unusual inspiration from Christian Aid's projects overseas.

Arranged under the branches of a giant baobab tree, the garden has been designed in four sections to appeal to gardeners of all abilities - from fledglings to green-fingered experts, from those with a solo window box to those with a 12-acre estate.

Admire the latest renewable energy devices, see how everyday throw-away objects can become stylish garden furniture, explore organic edible gardens, take a stroll on the recycled paths and learn how to create a living wall.

In the green theatre, hosted by the Eden Project, there will be a chance to hear thought-provoking performances and 'green' stories that will appeal to both adults and children. It's a place to escape from the hustle and bustle, and learn how to make our future brighter and greener.

All features within the garden reflect and tell the story of how eco-living and renewable energy is being used by Christian Aid's projects around the world to help poor communities prepare for and adapt to the devastating effects of a changing climate. Visitors will be given a unique chance to find out about global climate change and see how they can make a difference.

Christian Aid will be asking visitors to the show to support their Climate Changed campaign, which highlights how the developing world is already on the frontline as climate change takes hold and 'natural' disasters increase. The campaign calls on the UK public to adopt a greener lifestyle and lobby the government and companies to commit to reducing their CO2 emissions.