Art from the Hartt

An open letter to the person or persons stealing plants from my shop at Country Flair,

When I discovered, for the second time this week, that plants were missing and dirt was spilled on my shelves, I tried to put myself in your place. Why would someone steal plants and leave their space a mess? I can understand stealing food for your kids or yourself if you are starving. But, plants? Sounds more like a compulsion or a challenge. Perhaps you feel that because it’s a plant and, therefore “doesn’t cost me anything” that it’s somehow OK. It’s not.

The begonia you stole comes from begonias that I purchase from an out-of-state grower. I pay about double what I charge for plants about half the size of the ones I sell in my store. It takes a full year or two to grow the plant large enough to even take a clipping. That’s a lot of water and care. The cuttings are rooted in water for 4-6 weeks and then potted. I don’t sell them until they put out new growth, usually around 2-3 months after potting.

The bromeliads you stole are from my own plants that I have grown for years, also originally small plants from out-of-state growers. After several years of care, they put out pups and I finally had a couple extra to separate and sell. You just plucked them right out of their new pots, spilled the dirt on my other items, and left the empty pots. That’s low. That’s sick.

The succulent you stole was from one of my trips to the low desert. Again, this was a “pup” of my personal plant that took years to get to this size.

I think you also lopped the top off of one of my begonias but dropped the leaves on the ground. Did someone catch you in the act or did you accidentally drop it? I suspect you took clippings off of a few other plants while you were helping yourself. Don’t even get me started in my time involved in getting the plants ready for the shop, cleaning up your mess, and fixing my display. How many customers passed up my booth because there was dirt spilled everywhere and empty pots?

It’s sick and I hope you get help because you can’t feel good about yourself if you are stealing from a nurse who has spent an entire career serving the community and bringing in new health programs. And, stealing from a booth with a sale benefitting rescue dogs! You stole plants that were part of a dog rescue benefit??? Unbelievable!

Thank you, though. You have opened my eyes to the need for tightened security. Better systems come from those outliers who test boundaries. Next time, I call the authorities and file charges because I’ll have you on tape. Stealing and vandalism are crimes. Lastly, please get some help for your problem before it gets worse.