People in Cedar Rapids enjoyed a gardening getaway Easter Sunday.
The Noelridge Greenhouse Easter Showcase has been an Easter weekend tradition since 1972.
Every year, organizers say it’s the beginning of something new.
“It’s just the beginning of the growing season,” said Linn County master gardener Becki Lynch. “It’s rebirth, renewal and there’s no better place to do that than at the Noelridge Greenhouse.”
Lynch says there’s no better day than Easter Sunday to hold the free event, because right after church people like little Myah White come to the Easter showcase.
“We just got back from church, we were talking about God,” said Myah. “I saw the little fishies.”
The family-fun event gives area vendors an opportunity to showcase their work while families like Myah’s, learn the importance of gardening.
“You can see the beginning of what you’re going to see all over the city within the next few months,” said Lynch.
For some, the 42nd annual showcase is more than just a tradition.
Sharon Wright and her two crafty friends created what they call garden art.
“We have a very personal reason, loosing two loved ones very close to us very quickly and so it just kind of snowballed to become a passion,” said Wright. “We’ve all lost somebody we love, so that’s why we do it.”
Wright and her friends have been creating masterpieces for 4 years, donating funds to local charities like the Children’s Miracle Network of Iowa.
There were dozens of other vendors showing the art of gardening and everything else that comes with it.
Organizers placed eggs and bunnies in the plants adding a little extra Easter cheer.
“Just to bring families out and get them interested in gardening,” said greenhouse lead Kristie Benzni.
Benzni says they saw close to 3,000 visitors over the 2-day event.
Noelridge plans to have another open house on Mother’s Day which is another very popular event.
Comments are closed.