Tips for the eco-gardener (continued)

Get credit

Save some green while going green by taking advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit program. You'll receive a 15 per cent tax credit on the amount you pay over $1000 (up to maximum of $10,000) for work completed before February 10, 2010. The credit applies to these eligible items:

- Laying new sod

- Professional services like landscape design or contractor labour.

- Trees, shrubs and perennials.

- Irrigation and lighting systems.

- New structures such as retaining walls, pathways, fences, decks and garden sheds.

- Ponds and waterfalls.

- Any associated costs like permits and equipment rentals.

What's not included? You can't claim yard clean-up, do-it-yourself labour or yard maintenance like mowing the lawn. For more information, visit Landscapeontario.com and the Canada Revenue Agency website.

When it comes to eco-gardening, the main principles to remember are to conserve water and energy, choose plants and materials wisely and take a pass on chemicals and materials that are harmful or can't be replaced.

Photo©iStockphoto.com/ Liza McCorkle

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