DENVER -- Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter skipped down the steps of the Governor's Residence at The Boettcher Mansion on a bright July afternoon to join Daisy Scouts from Platte River Academy in Highlands Ranch.

The second graders made a special visit to "Colorado's Home," as Mrs. Ritter calls it, to help prepare the gardens for an upcoming Garden Party fundraiser for the Governor's Residence Preservation Fund on July 9.

The Fund was founded by Ritter to provide a foundation for the support, preservation, and awareness of "Colorado's Home."

Tagawa Gardens donated colorful plants, roses and shrubs in addition to providing outreach ambassadors to instruct the girls and the First Lady on proper planting techniques.

"LuLuBelle the Honey Bee," also known as Luan Akin, and "Grandma MiMi," former elementary school teacher Mary Ann Jordan, both entertained and educated the group.

There is a summer schedule of free events for all ages taking place on the Mansion grounds.

For more information on the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion go to ColoradosHome.org.