Milkweed and other plants used along the proposed Monarch Highway would also support habitats of other wildlife, including black swallowtail butterflies. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Free milkweed plants will be given to visitors at the Noelridge Greenhouse Mother’s Day Showcase in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  (photo/Cindy Hadish)

UPDATE (May 2, 2016): The city sent out a corrected press release to note that visitors don’t need to make a purchase to take home a free milkweed plant and also changes the schedule of events.

Original post: Mother’s Day this year falls on Sunday, May 8, the earliest date possible for the celebration, which happens annually on the second Sunday of May.

If you’re caught off-guard and need inspiration for a gift for mom, several plant sales are coming up in Eastern Iowa. Find details on Homegrown’s list of plant sales.

What mom probably would like most is time spent with you, and for that, the Noelridge Greenhouse in Cedar Rapids offers a perfect opportunity during their open house on Mother’s Day. This year, while supplies last, visitors will receive a free milkweed plant, which is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars and is a must-have in every garden.

Read on for more about the event from the City of Cedar Rapids:

The annual Mother’s Day Showcase is Sunday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council Street NE. Admission is free of charge. Visitors will enjoy seeing approximately 4000 different varieties of plants as well as educational exhibits featuring bonsai, beekeeping, orchids, pollinators and butterflies.

In addition, professionally designed hanging baskets, Coleus plants, glass birdbaths and birdfeeders, Cactus cocktails, Succulent Sundaes and handcrafted cards will be available for sale. Everyone will receive a free butterfly milkweed plant while supplies last.

Call the Noelridge Greenhouse, (319) 286-5762, for more information.