A barren plot of land is all that remains where a sumptuous crop of tomatoes were being cultivated by students in their garden at the Centre for Student Advancement in Devonshire.

The vegetables are believed to have been stolen sometime over the Bermuda Day holiday. It is the second time this week that vegetables have been stolen from a garden following the theft of a corn maze being cultivated by the children at the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation.

“To return after the celebration of one of our greatest holidays to barren land is disheartening at best,” Declan Harris, the Centre of Student Advancement administrator, told The Royal Gazette.

“The students worked hand in hand with staff to painstakingly prepare the garden.”

Students at the Devonshire school were introduced to gardening by former principal Leon James several years ago.

“In years past former principal Mr Leon James had worked with students to produce bumper crops of carrots, potatoes, onions and even strawberries,” Mr Harris added. “There had always been a number of keen gardeners among the students.”

After remaining dormant for several years the garden was brought back in March under the direction of horticulturist and botanist Neville Richardson. “The students have been working closely with Mr Neville Richardson from the Parks Department learning about the basics of garden maintenance from preparing the soil, nutrients, etc,” Mr Harris explained.

“This had became a very therapeutic process and experience for the young men.”

Echoing Mr Harris’ sentiments, Mr Richardson added: “The garden was one spot where the teachers and everybody noticed how these guys were coming around.

“There was well over one hundred tomatoes stolen which has left the students very distraught and vexed. They are really annoyed and sharing the pain together.”

Mr Richardson said the students are determined not to allow their heartbreaking ordeal to discourage them from gardening in the future.

“We are not going to give up,” he declared. “This is just one of the occurrences farmers and people who deal with the environment have to learn to ride and adjust to.”