The charity employs more than 60 primarily-disabled people, but that did not deter thieves who robbed it again during the Anzac Day weekend.

This time the thieves stole established Fagus Weepers, also known as Beech Weepers, and a Gleditsia Emerald Cascade Weeper.

All up the trees were valued at more than $800.

The plants are quite unique to the Highlands, as the centre sources them for their size from Victoria.

For the second time the thieves cut a hole in the two-metres high fence.

Welby Garden Centre general manager Tony McElhinney said it was very disheartening that people are stealing from them.

“They are stealing from a charity, and the plants that are being taken... the people that are doing it are either landscapers, nurseries, or supply landscapers and nurseries,” he said.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, April 30