The teaching garden at Abraxas High School in Poway recently drew state-level recognition and was selected as the state project of the nonprofit California Garden Clubs, Inc.
The nonprofit network of more than 300 garden clubs donated $14,000 to expand the school garden that serves as an outdoor classroom and develops the potential of high school students at risk of dropping out and special needs students age 18 to 22. The club’s goal is to raise $30,000 by June 2027 to create a fruit orchard at the garden.
“The Abraxas Garden isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline. Many of our students arrive disillusioned with school, burdened by challenges like homelessness, personal issues or learning differences. In the garden, they find belonging, purpose and the chance to create something real,” said Bob Lutticken, Biology-Aquaponics-Agriculture teacher at Abraxas High School, who supervises the garden.
The California Garden Clubs, Inc. presented a $14,000 check for the Abraxas High School Garden. From left, Adele Kelly, president of California Garden Clubs, Inc., Bob Lutticken, Abraxas High School teacher and garden leader, Barbara Weiler, California Garden Clubs, Inc. president’s project chairman. Courtesy of California Garden Clubs, Inc.
The garden and culinary programs provide hands-on learning, vocational training and a therapeutic space for youths.
“Students who once skipped school now show up to harvest, cook and give tours,” Lutticken said. “Others who had never eaten a fresh vegetable now grow and prepare their own healthy meals,” he said.
Students have told Lutticken how much the garden means.
Lutticken said a student came up to him in the garden and told him, “This place gave me a reason to come to school—and a reason to care.”
The garden has grown over 65,000 pounds of produce for local families in need since it was established 11 years ago. Students built an aquaponics pond and turned their salsa-making efforts into a business. Several dozen students are now working on growing an orchard and sanctuary garden.
There is a Farm to Table program that started several years ago to teach about making healthy meals.
In addition, 12 adult transition students help run a monthly farm stand, selling produce and spice blends to the community. Through their work, the students develop confidence, communication skills and purpose.
“Our students may not have the most traditional transcripts, but they graduate with resilience, life skills, and pride in their ability to give back,” said Lutticken, who was named 2023 Horticulturist of the Year by the San Diego Horticultural Society and co-recipient of the Youth Leader of the Year award at the California Garden Clubs May 2024 convention along with Abraxas Teacher of the Year in 2019.
The garden was discovered by the newly elected president of the nonprofit California Garden Clubs, Inc., Adele Kelly, who lives nearby and attended one of their fundraisers.
“The California Garden Clubs, Inc. is devoted to all aspects of gardening and we jumped at the opportunity to support this worthwhile cause,” Kelly said.
The Abraxas High School Garden, was established in 2015 to foster a “deeper connection between students, the environment and their community.”
Since then the garden has received state and national awards, ranging from a first place Community Impact Award and School Garden Award from the California Garden Clubs, Inc. to a Kellogg Civic Achievement Award and Certificate of Merit from the National Garden Clubs for High School Gardeners.
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