The Mother’s Day Showcase at the Noelridge Greenhouse marks a milestone this year in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

This is a special year for the Mother’s Day Showcase at the Noelridge Park Greenhouse in Cedar Rapids.

The annual event takes place this Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council St. NE. Admission is free.

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This year’s date is exactly 45 years from when the first Mother’s Day open house was held at the Noelridge Greenhouse in 1972, showcasing 28,000 plants that were to be planted in public areas.

The city notes that in 2017, visitors will enjoy seeing 68,000 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.