By Erin Miller

Editor in chief

To those who removed a plant from near the old Job Shop in the Commons Building: That was not a re-appropriation of Calvin's resources back to the students - it was stealing a plant from a Calvin employee who only wanted to share the beauty of the plant with the Calvin community.

Sometime early this week, between Saturday evening and Wednesday afternoon, a seven-foot tall Angel Trumpet (brugmansia datura) disappeared from its winter home near the Job Shop.

That plant, owned by Calvin Executive Chef Tim England, was one of nearly 20 plants placed near the large windows in that part of the Commons for the winter.

``I put a lot of pride in the plants,'' England said. ``I was born and raised on a farm. I've always had a passion for getting things to grow.''

England, who said he has an extensive collection of tropical plants, decided a few years ago to bring some of the tropical varieties to the building in which he works for the winter. In doing so, he not only protected his plants, but was also able to share the plants with co-workers and students.

England had nurtured this particular plant, a 5- or 6-year old Angel Trumpet, from a small plant start, a gift to England from a friend who worked at Frederick Meijer Gardens.

The plant itself had reached seven feet tall and was seven feet wide at its widest point. When in bloom, the flowers can be up to one foot long. Some of the trunks of the plant were three inches thick.

``It just flourished,'' England said. ``It would have taken at least two people, if not three, to carry it out.''

England hopes that the plant will soon return to its winter home. He added that, if given the choice between the culprits returning the plant anonymously, or finding out who took the plant through more official means and starting a disciplinary proceeding, he would take the former.

``My top priority is to get the plant back,'' he said. ``I know pranks happen, but sometimes there is more to it than meets the eye.''

This is not the first time England's plants have disappeared. Last year, several mid-sized plants were taken.