"I can hardly believe it's been five seasons already," exclaims J Schwanke, the show's host, and creator. 'Life in Bloom' is seen in the U.S. on public television (PBS) stations nationwide. "Season five of J Schwanke's Life in Bloom has rolled out three shows already with our early adopter public television (PBS) stations, and more stations add it to their schedule each week."
The show airs at times determined by local public television stations, so viewers should check with their local public television station or local listings for dates and times. To find the broadcaster in your area, visit www.uBloom.com/find. The show is also available to stream via PBS Passport.
More flower fun - with an emphasis on the health and wellness benefits of flowers – is served up for season five, including shows themed to Bouquets, French Inspiration, Callas, the color Blue, the Language of Flowers, and more! Season five has been scheduled by more public television stations in more markets than ever before, and viewers are excited about new episodes. "I love the added creativity our guests bring to the show," notes Schwanke. Guests include Illustrator Anthony Carpenter, Garden Expert Natalie Carmolli, and Author Lisa Rose. "I enjoy exploring how flowers intersect with guests and each expertise."
"Of course, we have a few locations to share with viewers. Golden Hour Farm grows medicinal herbs and flowers - really knowledgeable farmers, and naturally, I make a couple of arrangements on site. We also visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a world-class botanical garden in our own backyard, so to speak. Memorial Day Flowers Foundation and Bank of America joined us at the Cemetery of Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, along with local volunteers to lay a rose at each veteran's grave – a very moving morning in a place that has been unfortunately overlooked in the past," said Schwanke. "I think that experience will help raise awareness around veterans, that special cemetery, and about the healing power of flowers as well."
"Research has shown the presence of flowers has an immediate impact on people's health and happiness," says J Schwanke. "It's been my life-long mission to show people how easy it is to improve their daily lives by including flowers."
Host J Schwanke is a fourth-generation florist, award-winning author, and speaker whose passion for flowers is infectious. The impact flowers can have on health and well-being is a feature in each episode. "Viewer response across the U.S. continues to be overwhelmingly positive. People are cluing into to the beauty and relaxation flowers provide – they realize it by simply taking a break and watching the show." In fact, viewer response is so positive that J decided to share viewer arrangements in the new season. "Every week, we receive pictures of arrangements that the show inspires viewers to create – and they are wonderful – so we decided to share them, with permission, of course. This is the exact reason we make the show – to encourage viewers to experience flowers personally and more often. In fact, several viewers share pictures of their flowers with me on a regular basis – a couple who had never arranged flowers before even share their flower projects on a weekly basis! They are sold on the positive impact flowers have in their lives," exclaimed Schwanke.
Their success reflects that J shares simple techniques with the audience that ensure success. He also welcomes friends and guests for segments with crafts, cooking, cocktails, and flowers for entertaining. Dried and preserved flowers, tropical flowers, and innovation in flowers are all topics, as well as easy-to-make recipes with flowers as ingredients, and flower cocktails, including non-alcoholic variations.
J Schwanke's Life in Bloom also includes visits with flower farmers as well as other types of local farms and farmers – connecting with flowers in unexpected ways. Schwanke notes that "Everything in the world is connected, so it's important to consider things like sustainability; how the health of bee populations affects flowers, food, and people; how pastures, which include flowering greens, provide nutrition in foods raised there. And the importance of getting to know your local farmer and learning about their practices."
Season five also includes a special Christmas episode. "Flowers elevate any holiday, and Christmas is no exception – as my friends in Nebraska know!" mentioned Schwanke. "I have given presentations at the holidays there for over 25 years, and now we'll bring a bit of that flower fun to the TV show, so everyone can enjoy the annual tradition."
"I'm so grateful to the show's underwriters, past and present, their belief in the power of flowers and their underwriting of the production is what makes this possible. Original funders such as CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, and closed-caption funder Holland America are listed in the credits, so new viewers will know of their support," concluded Schwanke.
For more information:
Life in Bloom
Tel.: 616-446-6086
j@ubloom.com
ubloom.com