Inmates at the Daviess County Detention Center have once again spent the summer tending to thousands of pumpkins and mums, continuing a community project that has become a tradition and that provides colorful donations to schools, nursing homes, and nonprofits across the region.
Jailer Art Maglinger said the initiative has been ongoing for years and continues to grow in both scale and impact.
“We’re fortunate to have quite a bit of land, and we try to be good stewards of that,” Maglinger said. “We’ve had inmate gardens since before my time. This year, thousands of pumpkins were planted, and by the time it’s all said and done, we’ll probably have donated over 2,000 pumpkins to local schools, nursing homes, and nonprofits.”
Deliveries were made to several locations, including Mary Carrico, Heartland Nursing & Rehab, the H.L. Neblett Community Center, Hillcrest Nursing Home, and multiple schools and churches.
Maglinger said the pumpkin and mum projects offer more than just seasonal cheer because they give inmates a way to contribute meaningfully to their community.
“It’s a good program,” he said. “The inmates that work the gardens know what their efforts are going toward, and that’s special to them. Some of the pumpkins go to nursing homes where residents paint them, and schools often use them for carving or crafts. It’s something they can take pride in.”
The detention center operates on roughly 20 acres, much of which is used for gardens that supply produce for inmate meals as well as community programs such as the pumpkin and mum donations.
“Not every jail has the space we do,” Maglinger said. “We’re fortunate, and we try to use that land well. It’s not just wasted space. It’s productive and positive.”
Inmate Gary Mayfield, who has helped lead garden efforts for multiple years, said the experience has been personally rewarding.
“I like that the pumpkins go to kids,” Mayfield said. “And with the mums, part of those go to elderly people who might not have anybody. I was raised on a farm, so growing things just feels natural to me.”
Mayfield and a small crew of three or four inmates maintain the garden throughout the year, planting, weeding, and harvesting under the supervision of staff.
“It gets hot, and planting can be frustrating sometimes,” he said. “But it’s worth it when you see families come pick up the pumpkins and the smiles on their faces.”
Maglinger said programs like the garden not only give inmates a sense of purpose but also help shape a more positive view of incarceration.
“The work program is voluntary, and the inmates receive good time credit for their service,” he said. “It keeps them focused, gives them job assignments, and it’s an important part of reentry. It helps them learn new skills, stay motivated, and contribute in a positive way.”
In addition to pumpkins, DCDC maintains a large number of mums each fall, around 600 this year, which are donated to Faithful Friends, a local nonprofit that ministers to nursing home residents. The jail also partners with Reid’s Orchard and Cook’s Greenhouse, which assist with plants and guidance.
Mayfield said he hopes the community understands the heart behind the effort.
“I just hope everybody enjoys it,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
