J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom

J shows ways to enjoy flowers in winter and for the holidays - beyond the traditional red and green - in this episode of Life in Bloom. J arranges with hydrangea blooms, creates a silver and white centerpiece – and decorates for the holidays with unexpected colors combinations. Some flower arrangements also call for – a chance of snow?

Explore ways to live the flower life. Surrounding yourself with flowers is easier than it may seem. J reminds viewers to enjoy the process of flower arranging with tips for great results. Life Coach Nicolette Dobbe-Behrendsen and J discuss flowers as metaphors. J shares his spirit flower, and – did someone say million-dollar spaghetti? Learn guest Jennifer Pasqua’s uplifting story!

Let’s explore what it means to be a neighbor on this episode of Life in Bloom. We’ll visit the store on the corner and see how they improve their neighborhood for all - including the use of flowers, of course. J divides botanical treasures and suggests ways to express gratitude with flowers. Also included: a recipe for poutine and an arrangement from a viewer.

On today’s show we’re taking refuge in the shade - with flowers, of course! We’ll plant flowers suited to the shade in a container garden. Lawn gives way to blooming plants for more flower arranging fun. Artwork created with special light sensitive paper has a botanical bent. Tints, tones and shades are explored in a bouquet. A viewer shares their flower arrangement.

On this episode we are learning all about Día de los Muertos, from flower friend Sandy Villegas of Tucson, Arizona. Sandy shares the celebration’s significance in her culture and teaches J how she makes paper flowers as well as paper maché figures. Included: a celebration of life reflective of Sandy’s cultural traditions and a flower arrangement shared by a viewer. Marigold is the featured flower.

Color is the focus of this episode. J shows ways to ways to work with color and flowers, based on the color wheel. Flower arrangements with complimentary, monochromatic, triadic, and analogous concepts are created. The featured flower is the colorful and vibrant coleus. Flowers arrangements from a viewer are also included.

This episode revolves around tea. A look at the tea leaves reveals an immediate future that includes an antique tea set hand painted by J’s great aunt Lucy Jane. A visit with urban farmer Jill Frey who grows edible flowers along with several type of lettuce in a retrofitted shipping container. Self-care strategies, and tea time treats are also included.

Join J as he explores the city of roses, Portland, Oregon. Learn how roses became part of the city’s identity, and watch J create souvenir artwork. Peterkort Roses, a local greenhouse grower that’s been around for over 100 years, shares their history with J. J also greets flower farmers at the Portland Flower Market. Flower arrangements from a viewer are also shared.

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.

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.

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 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.