Inmate finds peace growing pumpkin

CRANSTON, R.I. (FOX Providence) - It is an odd Halloween mix. A pumpkin patch in the shadow of razor wire. The idea of gardening always bugged inmate Elena Hall, but she says now it gives her peace of mind.

ACI correctional officers planted a pumpkin seed back in March. They enlisted Elena to care for it. She already was entrusted to mow the lawn outside.

As it began to grow, Elena tilled, watered, weeded and watched. And when the pumpkin was big enough, she put headphones on it and played country music.

"I just started liking country music a couple of years ago. My whole life's changing because of the pumpkin," said Elena.

So, in the dirt she uncovered more than a way to grow 260 pounds of pumpkin.

"She's the biggest, littlest pumpkin the world."

Elena admits that she had no idea that taking care of the pumpkin she calls Miss Demeanor, would be a lesson worth learning.

"What have I been doing all my life, coming back and forth to jail? When life hands you a pumpkin, you make some pumpkin pie," she said.

Elena is up for parole and hopes to grow an even bigger pumpkin outside the ACI.

The ACI is hoping to expand it's gardening program.