Host J Schwanke shares simple ways to create a “Life in Bloom.” Celebrate and embrace the joy of having flowers in your life, including: flowers for your home, cooking, and helpful flower tips.
Host J Schwanke explores protea, one of the oldest flowers in the world. Visit a protea farm, and learn how to incorporate this exotic flower into crafts, cocktails, and entertaining.
Host J Schwanke shares why flowers are considered romantic, and how to use flowers for every day romance. Beautiful, fragrant flowers are used in arrangements, recipes, and for relaxation.
Host J Schwanke gives a peek into his family history, his vintage carnation artifact collection, and into a family-run carnation farm. See how flowers have influenced and shaped every part of his life.
Host J Schwanke explores the wonderful world of succulents: He visits a succulent farm, hosts a Make & Take party, and goes on location for a succulent-inspired cocktail.
Host J Schwanke shows you the storied history of the tulip, and how to get maximum enjoyment out of this beautiful flower with arrangements and tulip-inspired recipes.
Host J Schwanke pairs fruit with flowers because it’s fun! J gets creative with the abundance of the season, and uses fruit and flowers in simple, unexpected ways in arrangements, recipes, and crafts.
Host J Schwanke shows you how to use flowers to “petal it forward.” The power of flowers affects our health and well-being—for the better. See how flowers can heal and cheer when we share them, gift them, even eat them!
Host J Schwanke goes on location to two Florida foliage growers to show you this beautiful staple of the plant world, along with several inspired ways to use these long-lasting plants.
Host J Schwanke shares some history of the flower frog—a device used to help arrange flowers. Whether man-made or natural, this tool has many applications when it comes to arranging and entertaining.
Host J Schwanke visits with P. Allen Smith at Smith’s Moss Mountain farm in Arkansas, and explores the ways flowers inspire and influence art, both in and out of the garden.
Host J Schwanke shows you how to bring more fun, whimsy, and wonder into your life with terrariums, and terrarium-inspired recipes, crafts and entertaining arrangments.
Host J Schwanke shares what you need to know to experience the joy of orchids. Visit an orchid farm, create an orchid wreath, and most important: learn how to care for your orchid plants.
For the First “Behind the Bloom” we feature a recipe my Friend Kim Carson created that never made it into Season 1 of Life in Bloom!
Host J Schwanke shares ways to bring your garden indoors. From creating simple arrangements with cut flowers, to incorporating flowers into your kitchen and gift giving—it’s easy enjoy the health and wellness benefits of flowers from the garden.
Host J Schwanke explores the Farmers Market and all it has to offer. Visit a “Happy” farm, and learn how to incorporate the bounty of local, organic, or home grown flowers and produce into your menu, crafts, and entertaining.
Host J Schwanke shares how Flower Farms can broaden the range of flowers in your life. Flowers make us happier and give us hope. J shows you how to brighten your home through flower crafts, garden cooking, and more.
Host J Schwanke explores the forest and shares ways to experience a bit of its magic every day! Discover forest bathing for wellness. Flower arranging includes moss themes and foraged items.
Host J Schwanke explores the wonderful traditions of Japanese Flower Design: Ikebana flower arranging, Zen gardens, and bonsai. He visits a Japanese garden, speaks with a Bonsai Club, and shares his knowledge of Ikebana Flower Design.
Host J Schwanke shows you how to incorporate container gardens into any living situation. Anyone can enjoy container garden and de-stress with the bounty you can grow for food, drink, and entertaining.
Host J Schwanke shows you how to think “outside the vase” when it comes to arranging & displaying your flowers. J visits an Antique Market, uses found containers, and upcycles existing ones—the possibilities are endless!
Host J Schwanke explores all things lavender in this episode of Life in Bloom. We can relax and rejuvenate with Lavender plantings, or hand crafted soaps, you’ll learn to make a Vintage dried lavender bottle, and delight your taste buds with a honey lavender cheesecake— it’s time for us to get lost in Lavender!
Host J Schwanke explores two of his favorite topics: Pets & Flowers! Flora and fauna are inextricably linked; and both provide stress and anxiety relief. J visits with his pet communicator. Pets are the inspiration for an arrangement, a recipe, a craft, and a cocktail.
Host J Schwanke shares some history behind the beloved rose and why this flower is so much more than a Valentine’s Day gesture. Learn to make rose tea, a rose-inspired veggie tart, and visit a rose farm in South America… everything’s coming up roses!
Host J Schwanke shows you how to color your life with Flowers! Flowers are the perfect way to “try on” new colors – positively affect your mood, and adding vibrancy to your decorating, cooking, and entertaining.
Host J Schwanke shows you that you don’t need to wait for that fancy event—there are many simple ways to make, wear, and share flowers. Wearing a flower improves your mood—and it’s easy to do with items you already have on hand in your home and garden.
Host J Schwanke shares ways to incorporate healthy vegetables into your flower life—whether arranging flowers along with—or IN—vegetables, you’ll find some creative new ways to use vegetables off your plate with flowers.
Host J Schwanke visits the world-famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California, and learns its history. Also included: “fields” to grow in your own garden, flowers to hang on a wall, and a flatbread flower field.
Host J Schwanke explores the sentiment of hearts and flowers and how they combine to express emotion. Heart-shaped arrangements are featured, messages with flower petals, and hand-crafted soaps made with flowers, “from the heart.”
It’s time to go behind the bloom…with our friends Jill and Mary at Crane Dance Farm. I talk about Rose Hybridization and you’ll learn a little more about how my career took a turn from Zoo Keeper to Flower Expert…thanks to my High School Guidance counselor, Jan Therien.
Host J Schwanke spotlights pollinators, essential for flowers. Included: a visit to a bee apiary, ways to support pollinators, pollination 101 and a cocktail that features honey.
It’s time to go behind the bloom with my sweet friend Kristen Farmer at Hope Dahlias.
Host J Schwanke focuses on plants, blooming and otherwise. Plants that can improve the health of your home are reviewed, palm-weaving is demonstrated, and an artichoke spritzer cocktail.
Host J Schwanke highlights the lily, including planting bulbs, and essential care techniques. Also: advice from an expert lily grower, fun and easy arrangements, and a festive hors d'oeuvre.
Let’s go behind the bloom with Dusty Brown and his Bonsai Trees! Dusty brought so many great examples from his personal collection…and he had a lot more valuable information to share for those of us that may want to get started on our own Bonsai Japanese Craft!
It’s time to go behind the bloom with my AMAZING niece, Grace Boersma! Join us as we unpack the Marimo Moss Balls and get them re-homed into our Chemistry Flasks and Beakers… and learn a little more about Marimo Moss Balls and how to care for these Incredible Natural Wonders.
Host J Schwanke cultivates a passion for purple. Precious violets, easy centerpieces, and a regal showstopper with lilacs are included. Also, a visit to a Florida clematis farm.
Ways of celebrating life through flowers are explored. Host J Schwanke shares memories and creates personalized flower arrangements. Viewers learn the history around Decoration Day.
Let’s go behind the bloom with my fun friend Jenn Pascua. Jenn dropped by for a few laughs and joined me in making flower arrangements in unexpected containers. We re-purposed food containers (like a tomato can, an olive tin and more) and we love to have a good time!
Host J Schwanke explores connections between coffee, tea and flowers – including recycled grounds, blooming teas, and themed arrangements. Plus: learn about the creator of a popular, vintage dinnerware pattern.
Let’s go behind the bloom with the goats at Leché and Lavender…and my friend Katie Kuipers! Goats are fun- and so is the process of making soap. It was so interesting to see the process of how Katie takes it from Goats, to Goats Milk – then to the freezer and the essential oils and lye- and the chemical reaction that creates soap.
Mum’s the word, as the chrysanthemum takes center stage. Host J Schwanke shows the many shapes and sizes of this beautiful flower. Included: a flower farm visit, and a chrysanthemum cocktail.
Let’s go behind the bloom with Ms. Margo. Ms. Margo gave a reading from the flowers and then we interviewed Chris to see how he felt about the reading and the experience.
Host J Schwanke visits a flower farm with extensive water reclamation practices. Learn to create submerged flower arrangements, ideas for flowers on the go, and flowers on ice.
Let’s go behind the bloom at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California. The history of the Roses Parade is interesting and colorful…The Parade was established to share the bounty of California with the Rest of the nation that is inspired by the Parade on New Year’s Day. It showcases the beautiful weather and the amazing varieties of agriculture exclusive to California.
Host J Schwanke takes a deeper dive into nature including a visit to a nature center with animal ambassadors. J’s young friends teach him how to raise and release monarch butterflies.
The timeless sunflower is featured. Host J Schwanke arranges sunflowers, creates three-dimensional wall art, and welcomes a clever baker - all inspired by the iconic bloom.
Let’s go behind the bloom with my friend Angela Cunningham…with ideas for Flowers to Wear! Angela joined me in the studio to create unique flowers to wear which are different from the typical corsage or boutonniere. We create flowers to wear using aluminum wire and jewelry making tools. It’s a simple and fun way to create armatures of decorative wire and easy to apply flowers using glue tabs.
Host J Schwanke reminds viewers to take time to enjoy what makes them happy - including flowers. Included: fragrant flowers, novelty arrangements, and a visit to the historic San Francisco Flower Mart.
Host J Schwanke educates viewers on flower care and the ways in which flowers contribute to self-care. J explains using flower food for bouquet longevity and learns the benefits of elderberry syrup from an expert.
It’s all about the color green. J explores greens - in foliage as well as flowers that are green, including an unexpected dozen roses. Then, J visits with award-winning children’s book author Laurie Keller to learn how the green grass grows, and shares the Verdant Lady cocktail.
Host J Schwanke spotlights the fragrant flower known as stock. Included: a visit to Joseph & Sons flower farm, the array of colors available, and a cocktail with a similar spicy scent.
Music is the theme, as host J Schwanke welcomes the show’s composer to perform as J arranges flowers. Crafting, and arranging flowers with a musical twist. J visits Sacred Springs, where beverages created with flowers are infused with sound and intention.
Host J Schwanke takes inspiration from the earth, including a visit to a family farm, creating a berm for managing rainfall, and arranging flowers from the garden.
Host J Schwanke arranges flowers with an Italian flair, exploring facets of Italy. Della Robbia style centerpieces, lemons for arranging and limoncello, and a visit with Chef Jenna Arcidiacono are included.
Host J Schwanke brings you glad tidings - literally. Gladiolus are in the spotlight with tips on care and handling – and planting of the spiked blooms. Included: both simple and impressive glad arrangements.
Host J Schwanke shares his love of dogs, specifically an affinity for Cocker Spaniels. Topics include collecting, terrariums and planters, garden stones, wearable flowers, and a minty treat.
Birds and flowers combine for a flight of fancy. Host J Schwanke learns tips for photographing hummingbirds, shows off vintage vases, and explores sculpting with willow branches.
Host J Schwanke shows viewers that arranging flowers can be nice and easy. Simple techniques for flowers are featured, along with a floral simple syrup, and a sunflower field visit with a friend.
Hydrangeas are the focus. Host J Schwanke visits a flower farm that grows the big and beautiful blooms, and arranges with garden hydrangea. J also creates both simple and elaborate bouquets - as well as a hydrangea cocktail.
Host J Schwanke finds ways to re-use, re-purpose, and recycle - including upcycling thrift store vases. Also included: how to recycle a flower arrangement, and building a garden bench from palettes.
On today’s Life In Bloom it’s a taste of the tropics with a Tropical Bloom – including a large scale party centerpiece, Wall Art made of foliage, I’ll show you easy techniques to create your own Monstera Madness, make Leis with my friend Jennifer, and we’ll also make a classic tropical cocktail.
Host J Schwanke welcomes Autumn with flowers accented by the bounty of the season. Pumpkins, ears of stained glass corn, chrysanthemum, and even roses crafted from colorful leaves, all play a part in inviting flower arrangements.
Innovation in the world of Flowers is showcased. Included: technology in the garden involving production and plants, unique hybridized color creation in flowers and innovations in packaging and transportation. J uses new varieties of flowers in his flower arrangements, and visits an incredible garden showcase to interview a garden expert.
J shows ways to escape into the flower world without racking up thousands of miles. Visit a Japanese garden and sculpture park and become a flower tourist in J’s home town. Travel to the exotic world of Tiki where J creates an outstanding tropical flower arrangement and visits with friend Anthony Carpenter; a local artist who shares his passion for escape with his original art.
J takes us on a savory swing through the herb garden- and shows us how to create and plant our own tower of herbs for the patio, front porch, or cutting garden. Visit a Michigan herb and flower farm and meet the farmers, where J creates a bouquet of herbs, and a u-pick Flower arrangement. A special herbal ingredient accents flower cocktail hour.
J shares his favorite tips for drying fresh flowers. Learn how to create bouquets, crafts and projects with dried and preserved flowers. Guest Kim Carson joins J for a lesson in dried and preserved hydrangeas, including techniques for creating a bouquet, a garland and a wreath. J teaches Kim how to create a cocktail featuring Lavender Bitters.
Today on Life in Bloom we’re learning about flower meanings. J shows the Victorian method of sending a secret message through flowers. See how flower color can influence our moods, and discover the meaning behind colors of roses. J helps us turn our feelings into flowers and welcomes his flower friend Jennifer Pascua joins J to create flower popsicles.
Dive into the blue – blue Flowers that is. Host J Schwanke creates a large-scale arrangement themed to the clouds in the skies and welcomes his flower friend, meteorologist Aaron. Blue is the rarest of all flower colors, and J showcases both natural and dyed blue flowers for your review. Included: a tiny arrangement with early squill flowers; J and Aaron enjoy a unique blue sweet pea cocktail.
Discover Flower inspiration in French themes. J visits with flower friend and Frenchman Jean Yves to learn more about Flower lifestyle in France, and enjoy a flower cocktail of French origin! Included: a scent-sational Versailles topiary; homemade potpourri; flowers in pavé and etegeré formations.
Life in Bloom showcases collecting all things Flower! J shares favorite collections including varieties of living trees and hosta plants in the garden, and artwork featuring flowers in various forms. Unique wall pockets and tiny vases – both of which hold flowers and memories. J shares a favorite recipe – and shows off a collection of swizzle sticks with flower accents.
The Calla Lily is the featured flower in this episode. J shares flower lore behind this classic flower. We’ll see Callas of all colors – including black. J creates a unique crescent shaped Calla bouquet to carry, shows you how to arrange Calla Lily blooms inside a bubble bowl, and fabricates a composite calla bouquet. Also: a Calla Lily cocktail.
J’s “pushing petals” – literally and figuratively on Life in Bloom. You’ll learn the importance of petal counts for roses, and the importance of retaining the “gard petal”. Together we’ll craft with petals, and create a “Duchess rose.” J assembles an artistic creation that can become an invitation or post card, creates a petal perfect mocktail, and even include petals in an hors d’oeuvre spread.
It’s bouquet day on Life In Bloom. J gathers all sorts of flowers together into bouquets and shares the origins of the bouquet holder and antique wire flower frogs, Learn the stories behind Victorian bouquets, nosegays, and even the tussie mussie, J shares easy ways to create simple bouquets. Included: a bouquet as a bundt cake decoration.
Flower host J Schwanke learns about foraging for plants and herbs from expert and author Lisa M. Rose. J adjourns to the garden to create a small-scale foraged flower arrangement. J and Lisa mix up a recipe with acorns and enjoy a cocktail with foraged ingredients. Included: a foraged table scape; flowers crafted from pine cones; a “mossarium”.
Flowers have a way of intertwining with memories today on Life in Bloom. J shares a long-lost visit with his grandpa, Carnation Joe, then arranges a red Carnation tribute. J participates in a local Memorial Day Flower celebration, discusses flower memories with “Moms” – Lorraine and Mary Lou, and remembers special Flower friends who’ve gone before us. Also: a “Happy Clouds” cocktail.
In this special edition of Life in Bloom, J shows you ways to enjoy flowers for the Christmas holidays. J gives us a tour of his holiday decorations- show us how to decorate a mini boxwood tree, and create a triple berry centerpiece complete with floating cranberries. Learn to wrap presents the “J-way”, and a bouquet made with a few of J’s favorite things.
In this episode, butterflies are on the brain. J takes viewers to a garden blooming with butterflies at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where he also finds inspiration for flower arrangements. J is joined by flower friend Cecelia for a butterfly project and a butterfly cocktail. Arrangements by a viewer are also shared.
This episode of Life in Bloom focuses on the influence of Dutch culture on flowers. Visit a second-generation flower farm, Oregon Flowers, founded by Dutch immigrants. J creates a hand tied bouquet with flourish, arranges flowers in Delft pottery, and mimics flower paintings by arranging in the style of the Dutch masters. Arrangements by a viewer are also shared.
This episode features the “other” rose - garlic. A visit to Brickyard Farms, famous for growing Garlic in abundance. J creates an arrangement including garlic scapes. A garlic roll recipe is included -as well as a fresh garlic infused martini? Arrangements by a viewer and her family are also shared.
J’s flower friend Sue Muldoon joins him to explore her passion, weaving. From chairs, to baskets, to trays, Sue shares her skills. J finds many ways to combine flowers with Sue’s woven projects. Then, Sue and J trade their best baking tips as they make blueberry scones together. Hanging Amaranthus is the featured flower. Flowers from a viewer are also shared.
This episode of Life in Bloom is tickled pink! Pink is the most prevalent flower color in nature and we’re here for it! J visits with pink pal, Chef Jenna to see how she includes her color of choice in everything she does. J creates an heirloom style arrangement, a hand-tied bouquet, and enjoys a pink gin cocktail with Jenna. You’ll be feeling “in the pinks” after this show.
On this episode flowers and kids team up for some exciting projects. Atticus instructs J about making perfume from flowers. June and her Mom Bretagne design and assist J with a kitty made of flowers. Hendrick and J construct veggie bug snacks. Plus - flower fun with a robot? J is joined by Wimee the Robot, Michael Hyacinthe, and Kevin Kammeraad from Wimee’s Words, seen on PBS.
How roses became part of the identity of Portland, Ore.; souvenir artwork; greenhouse grower Peterkort Roses; Portland Flower Market.
Hand-painted antique tea set; urban farmer Jill Frey grows edible flowers and several types of lettuce in a retrofitted shipping container; self-care strategies; tea time treats.
