Unsolved Garden Mystery - Hungry Critters or Vandals?

Someone or something has lopped off leaves, stems,
and flowers of plants in the Panther Patch.  On Sunday
when I went to water the garden, I was shocked at the
discovery.  No plant parts were left in the garden, and
the destruction seemed random.  Plants, such as the
sunflower pictured below, will die without leaves to
gather sunlight for photosynthesis.  It is very early in the
summer, and the plants have not even had the chance
to really take off.  This is very discouraging.

We will try to prevent another situation by creating signs
for the garden that remind visitors that the garden is a
place to be enjoyed by all.  The number one rule is,
"Enjoy by looking but not touching."  We will also
research the pattern of destruction to see if it may be the
work of hungry deer, which are prolific in the Parklawn
neighborhood.  In the case of deer, the construction of
a fence may be necessary.