J Schwanke's Life In Bloom

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.

Working with colour and flowers based on the colour wheel; flower arrangements with complimentary, monochromatic, triadic and analogous concepts; the colourful and vibrant coleus.

Celebrating Dia de los Muertos; making paper flowers and paper mache figures; flower arrangement; marigolds.

Planting flowers suited to the shade in a container garden; artwork created with special light sensitive paper; exploring tints, tones and shades in a bouquet.

How a corner store improves the neighbourhood for all, expressing gratitude with flowers, and a recipe for poutine.

Flower arranging; life coach Nicolette Dobbe-Behrendsen talks about flowers as metaphors; spirit flower.

Enjoying flowers in winter and for the holidays; arranging with hydrangea blooms; creating a silver and white centerpiece; decorating for the holidays with unexpected colour combinations.