As the past few days have shown spring is notoriously unpredictable. Let's hope the next few weeks are milder than the last couple of days - that way the bees can do their work, baby stone fruit can develop and vegie garden seedlings won't go into hibernation from another dose of winter.

Whilst the onset of the new season may mark the end of winter stalwarts such as brussels sprouts and cauliflowers, it welcomes a wonderful array of alternatives including asparagus, broad beans and strawberries.

Don't forget October is one of those wacky months with five Saturdays and Sundays. This means many of our farmers have the weekend off on 29-30 October, however Boroondara, Echuca and Melb Showgrounds accredited farmers' markets will be operating!

Congratulations to so many of our clever stallholders who picked up medals at this week's Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards. Check out the complete list here.

Thanks to everyone who entered the photo competition we ran in last month's newsletter. We have received some terrific entries.

Congrats to the four winners who, for their efforts, will be treating their family to a visit to the Royal Melbourne Show.

Our first winner is Claudia Zamora who sent us this shot of her dog Missy "...chilling out and chewing sticks and enjoying the atmosphere of the Gasworks market."

This image was taken by long time farmers' market supporter (and professional photographer) Bill Poon.

It's of his girls enjoying a Kingfisher orange juice at Collingwood Children's Farm Farmers' Market.

OK so it might not be a Spring photo, but this tasty image was taken by Duncan Wilcox at the Veg Out Farmers' Market of pine mushrooms.

The final winning shot(s) are of little Lily enjoying one of Di's Rhubarb tarts at Veg Out Farmers' Market.

The shots were taken by Lily's Dad - Trev Ward.