THE worldwide seed network is growing all the time with contacts on every continent.

Last week the men in green managed to recruit another.

The young woman was sent back to Northern Italy with a package in her hand .

Her mission: To grow something different in the window boxes of Venice - instead of her mama's petunias.

"We send seeds all over the world on an exchange programme with other botanical gardens," said Tatton head gardener Sam Youd.

"But these will be hand delivered."

Venetian Michaela Gusella spent a month's work experience at the park and wanted a souvenir of an English garden to take home.

Sam got on the job, putting together a concotion of seeds to delight the eyes and nose.

"I put all kinds of seeds in the mixture including dalias and night scented stock for their scent on the evening breeze in Venice," said Sam.

"They are colourful and will thrive in the hot climate."

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