In the Fall of 2025, DVGC members started an informal partnership with La Petite Academy in Fairfax Station, Virginia.  The goal is to foster an appreciation for gardening and nature among preschoolers.   DVGC members work with the children on a regular basis engaging them in a range of outdoor/indoor gardening projects.

A major outdoor activity is a garden consisting of three 4x4 raised beds that were installed by La Petite Academy.  Working with the preschoolers we have planted a variety of flowers and vegetables.   In November we planted tulip and daffodil bulbs in pots, kept them outside in the cold until they started to grow.  At that time the pots were moved inside the classroom to give the children the opportunity to continue to watch them grow. The children were excited to see the progress of their plants. Another indoor activity was planting carrot, radish, and lettuce seeds in containers that will act as little greenhouses. It was fun to look at the differences among the types of seeds, sprinkle them on the soil, cover them, and spray them with water. During the winter the children created bird feeders by applying sunflower butter to pinecones.  This simple, hands-on project allowed them to practice fine motor skills as they spread the sunflower butter while learning about the wonders of native birds.  During the spring season, the children planted peas, tomato plants, and pumpkins.  The DVGC members continue to engage the preschoolers in a range of indoor/outdoor activities, and the children enthusiastically greet the “garden ladies” when we arrive.