SECOND place goes to Rosie Bill and her mum Sheila of Leam Terrace, Leamington. They win a Herb Planter, family entry to Garden Organic, barbecue gadgets from Brabantia and a copy of Organic Gardening by Geoff Hamilton. ROSIE and her family have lived at their family home for more than 25 years.

MANY gardeners have been composting for years and that valuable knowledge could be passed on to others. Leading organic growing charity Garden Organic based at Ryton run a Master Composter scheme so volunteers can encourage people in their community to start composting at home.

AUTUMN is a great time to start composting if you haven't already done so, as you empty your borders and tubs of bedding, start raking up leaves and other garden debris and think about the year ahead.

By ANN EVANS WHILE we've all had a miserable summer, the humble British apple has been thriving on the gloom. British apple varieties have been booming and a bumper 2007 harvest is predicted, with yields up by 10 per cent on previous years.

By Hannah Stephenson AUTUMN is a great time to start composting. As you empty your borders and tubs of bedding, start raking up leaves and other garden debris and think about the year ahead.