The neighborhood exploded. Some found it hilarious; others were mortified — especially those featured. Reporters showed up, social media caught wind, and we became the talk of the town.Of course, some neighbors tried to justify or hush up the thefts. One even threatened legal action — until we reminded them they were the ones stealing.

In the end, the thefts stopped, the garden flourished, and the poster became a local legend. My mom was proud. I was proud. And the whole street learned one thing: mess with the garden, and you might end up famous… for all the wrong reasons.