An award-winning garden has become the latest victim of thieves with a refined taste for plants after a number of its flowers were stolen over the weekend.

Ham & High: Chicory plant before theftChicory plant before theft (Image: Susannah Hall)

The plant robbers struck the garden at Cecil Sharp House in Primrose Hill between midnight and 7am on Saturday, taking seven plants in total.

Very selective in what made up their swag, the thieves targeted beds that had scooped the Best Business Entrance award during September’s Camden in Bloom competition.

The loot included Hibiscus, Salvia hot lips, Dahlias, Cosmos, Chicory and Alyssum.

With CCTV still being reviewed, it is as-yet unknown whether the culprit was a jealous gardening rival, a resident looking to brighten up their own patch, or just thieves looking to make a few bob in the flower black market.

Rosie Baker, operations director at Cecil Sharp House, said: “The entrance garden was created by a team of permaculture volunteers in March this year, transforming it into a beautiful space with an abundance of wildlife, fragrance and colour.

“They achieved all this with no budget but with hard work, dedication and generous donations of plants from the community so it makes this theft particularly despicable.

“We have reported it to the police but appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

This isn’t the first time plant thieves have struck in the area.

In June, police were called to investigate a curious shrub theft from Tandis Restaurant, in Haverstock Hill’s Steele’s Village, after six plants worth about £350 were taken.