“It’s hard to believe we are at Season 5 already!” notes J Schwanke host and creator of the public television (PBS) TV show “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom.”
“I’ve been involved with flower education to the industry my entire life – extending that reach to the public at large was a natural progression.” Schwanke said. “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” airs nationally on PBS and Create TV networks. The show is the first public education television show dedicated to cut flowers and living a flower lifestyle, broadcast across the country. “Life in Bloom is unique because every show includes flower arranging – and also echoes the numerous health and wellness studies that prove flowers improve our lives on a daily basis,” says Schwanke.
Along with flower arranging segments, J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom includes flower farm visits, J’s flower friends, crafts with flowers, and even includes recipes for foods and beverages that include flowers. AIFD members who have appeared on “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” include: Susan Ayala, Modesto Busto, Jim Hynd, and Sherry Miller. J also invites the show’s guests to arrange flowers with him as well. “It’s all about empowerment!” says Schwanke.
One reaction from viewers seems to be universal – flowers help them de-stress and relax. “So many messages say again and again, that the show is a relaxing break from the stress of everyday life – merely watching the imagery of the flowers across their TV screens improves their general well-being,” notes Schwanke. “Many have stated they now see flowers as essential in their lives.”
The Create TV Network is hosting a “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” Marathon on July 14, 15 &16, 2023. The ten episode block is hosted by J with vignettes between episodes. J selected his 10 favorite episodes from all five seasons. Images are from the following shows that will be featured:
1. Episode 208 All About Lavender
One word – GOATS! Who doesn’t love Baby Goats! J learns to make Lavender Soap in one segment of a show dedicated to Lavender.
2. Episode 102: Protea: Long Term Beauty
Protea are unique and unusual, and J visits Mel Resendiz to discover how they are grown in San Diego County. J reviews the many and varied types of Protea and makes a fun floating candle project with Protea blooms!
3. Episode 104: Carnations Family & Flowers
“I Love Carnations, and they are part of my family history, notes J. Viewers will visit the last Carnation grower in the USA and enjoy J’s collection of Red Carnation collectibles.
4. Episode 209: Pets and Flowers
“This show features my Best Friends – Ellie and Ladybird – our black and tan Cocker Spaniels,” says J.
“And includes my niece, Grace and her bestie, Flossy.”
Shows 3 &4 are about my Personal Family- both figurative and literally- where I come from- and how important my dogs- (and animals in general) are in my Life! Ellie crossed over the rainbow bridge in 2022 … and in Season 6- you’ll all get to meet Georgy Girl our New Cocker Spaniel that is Ladybird’s New Best Friend…
5. Episode 312: Sunshine Flowers
Sunflowers are everyone’s favorite- it’s Sunshine in Flower Form!
Who else would create amazing Sunflower Cookies- and then also Translate “ME” into a Cookie…
6. Episode 413: Tropical Bloom
I make Leis with my Friend Jenn- and we learn more about Anthuriums- it’s filled to the brim with fun Projects- that help us visit the tropics- without leaving our neighborhood!
5 & 6 include TWO of my Favorite Guests- I love Kara Boldt – and I love her cookies- and she made ME into a cookie… say no more!
Jenn Pascua- has been on in every season- she’s SO MUCH FUN- and effervescent – and she teaches me to HULA… or at least TRIES! he he he
7. Episode 406 Fiore Italia
Let’s take a trip to Italy- via Flowers- inspired by Italy- and all it has to savor and enjoy!
8. Episode 409 Birds of a Feather
Hummingbirds- for one thing- and my friend Donna shares her tips for photographing these non-stop Whizzers of Happiness… I create a NEST of Bird of Paradise Arrangement- and repurpose a treasured collectible!
7 & 8- Each Season we “Visit” another Land- via Flowers- so this one is Italy- and it includes my Friend Chef Jenna- and her take on Authentic Italian Cooking…
My Friend Donna- is an Amazing Photographer- and turned me on to Hummingbirds- I encouraged her to plant flowers for them on her deck.. and I show how I can make just about anything out of Flowers- including Birds!
9. 503 Herbs in Bloom
I visit an Herb and U-Pick Flower Farm- I share my All-time Favorite Cocktail- with a Special Herbal Ingredient
10. 313 Bloom Happy
This show is filled with Flower Things that make me Happy- it includes my Favorite Recipe of all Time
Turkey Noodle Ring- and a visit to my Favorite Place on the Planet- The Historic San Francisco Flower Mart
9 & 10- One of the NEW Season 5 episodes- filmed on location at Golden Hour Farm- at “Golden Hour” (Sunset) – in Pottersville Michigan
and Bloom Happy is all about the THINGS that make me Happy- personally- and of course they all involve flowers!
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom is truly a labor of Love- and was created to encourage everyone to include more flowers in their lives. Life in Bloom is broadcast to over 100 million households each week- across the USA.
Life in Bloom Is telecast over 2500 times each month on over 410 Public TV Stations- in 172 markets in 47 states. Children, Young Adults, Gen X- Y , Millennials and Seniors are among the avid fans and viewers of this Flower Show each and every week.
Produced and Written by J Schwanke AIFD and his Husband Kelly Blank. The show is Sponsored by Albertsons Companies Grocery Stores, CalFlowers, and Close Caption Funding is provided by Holland America Flowers. We’re proud to announce- that we have established The Life in Bloom Foundation Inc. that is a non-profit 501c3- that funds our productions. Contributions to The Life in Bloom Foundation Inc. are tax deductible- and allows anyone to make contributions that will keep “Life in Bloom” producing new content and on the air for years to come.
J Schwanke Productions Inc. Contact: J Schwanke
6844 Woodland Bluff NE Phone: 616-446-6086
Comstock Park MI 49321 E-mail: j@uBloom.com
