After each show the vast majority of the tons of earth, sand, turf, hard landscaping, pond liners, containers and flower pots are thrown away. This year volunteers will oversee the donation of the remnants of the 600 exhibits, including 22 show gardens to schools, community groups, city farms, charities and allotment associations.

Joan Ruddock the Minister for Climate Change, Waste, Recycling and Biodiversity, will be officially opening the recycling site on 26th May, which will remain open until 2nd June.

The recycling is the brain child of Hilary Blume of the Charities Advisory Trust and the Good Gifts Catalogue and is backed by the Royal Horticultural Society. As well as volunteers from RSVP, help will come from Enviroworks Lewisham and the National Community Wood Recycling Project.

Hilary Blume said: "In these enlightened times it was completely unacceptable that so much was going to waste. I hope the good causes that come to collect the remains of the Chelsea Flower Show will be able to keep the spirit of these wonderful gardens alive. I have this vision of a never ending line of people with wheelbarrows circling the barracks!"

Denise Murphy, Director of CSV's Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), said: "Our volunteers love giving their time to help promote green issues and supporting a national treasure like the Chelsea Flower Show. It is also wonderful that thanks to their efforts so many other good causes will be able to benefit."

The donated garden remnants will be presented in a pot luck fashion and available first come first served basis. All collectors need to register in advance.

To book a slot to collect the remains of the flower show contact Hilary Blume or Alex Hayes at the Charities Advisory Trust on 020 7794 9835 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it