The Abraxas High School garden in Poway has received $14,000 from a state-level non-profit to fund a new fruit orchard and expand its vocational training programmes. California Garden Clubs, Inc. selected the garden as its primary state project, with a goal to raise $30,000 for the facility by June 2027. The garden serves as an outdoor classroom for at-risk students and special needs individuals aged 18 to 22. It has become a central part of the school's curriculum since its establishment in 2015, focusing on horticulture, aquaponics and culinary arts. Bob Lutticken, the biology and agriculture teacher who leads the program, said the space provides a necessary alternative for students who struggle in traditional classrooms. Some students face challenges including homelessness and learning differences. "The Abraxas Garden isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline," Lutticken said. "In the garden, they find belonging, purpose and the chance to create something real."
Production and vocational training
Over the last 11 years, the garden has produced more than 65,000 pounds of vegetables for local families. This large-scale production is managed by students who also maintain an aquaponics pond and run a commercial salsa-making venture. Beyond physical labour, the project includes a "Farm to Table" programme. This initiative teaches students how to prepare healthy meals using the produce they grow. Lutticken said he has seen a shift in student behaviour, with some who previously skipped classes now arriving early to work the soil. The vocational aspect extends to 12 adult transition students. These individuals operate a monthly farm stand where they sell fresh produce and spice blends. This commercial experience is designed to build communication skills and professional confidence before they enter the workforce. This focus on practical outcomes mirrors broader education trends, such as the magnet school programmes used across the region to provide specialised learning paths for diverse student needs.
State recognition and funding
Adele Kelly, president of California Garden Clubs, Inc., discovered the garden after attending a local fundraiser. Her organisation represents a network of more than 300 garden clubs across the state. "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 $14,000 cheque presented this month is the first major instalment toward the orchard project. The project has previously won the Kellogg Civic Achievement Award and a Certificate of Merit from the National Garden Clubs for High School Gardeners. These accolades come as schools increasingly look for ways to engage students through environmental stewardship. Other regions are also using outdoor events to drive engagement. For example, a new treasure hunt trail was recently launched in Mandurah to support local commerce via outdoor activities.
Long-term student outcomes
Lutticken, who was named the 2023 Horticulturist of the Year by the San Diego Horticultural Society, said the garden changes how students view their own potential. He noted that students who had never eaten fresh vegetables now grow and cook their own. One student told Lutticken the garden gave them "a reason to come to school—and a reason to care." The teacher believes the resilience gained through physical work is more valuable than typical academic metrics. "Our students may not have the most traditional transcripts, but they graduate with resilience, life skills, and pride in their ability to give back," Lutticken said. The school plans to continue development of the sanctuary garden alongside the new orchard. The California Garden Clubs, Inc. will continue its fundraising efforts for the school through the end of the next academic year. A final tally of the orchard expansion fund is expected by July 2027.
