Stillwater community garden reports overnight theft of plants

Staff at the Our Daily Bread Community Garden said someone took several whole plants from the nonprofit's garden space on Tuesday night, with the theft discovered Wednesday morning.

Garden organizers posted a message on social media expressing disappointment and urging the community to follow harvest rules. They said some of the stolen items came from the Kathy Sandefur memorial garden plot.

Among the missing plants are two kale plants, seven marigolds, three thyme plants, five wildflowers, three violas, a squash plant, three okra plants, an eggplant, a sweet potato, five mizuna and one pepper plant.

"Our garden manager, Jess, is sad. And that breaks all of our hearts," the post read. "She and Lexi and our volunteers work so hard to be sure our garden is beautiful and productive for all who visit."

The team is asking for help spreading the word that harvesting is allowed when plants are ready, but people should not dig up entire plants. Signs are posted to guide visitors, and staff are available during the day to help those unsure of how to harvest properly.

"If that was you or you know who took our plants, please let us know," the post said. "We want to try to understand and help if we can."

The garden, located at 701 E. 12th Ave. in Stillwater, remains open and welcomes all community members.