“Viewers have heard the call to relax with flowers, enjoying their health and wellness benefits in the process! And I’m beyond excited for them to enjoy the new season,” enthuses J Schwanke, host and creator. J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is a flower lifestyle television show seen in the U.S. on public television (PBS) stations nationwide, showing viewers ways to enjoy arranging flowers and reinforcing the health and wellness benefits flowers offer. The new season will premiere in April of 2025 on local public television stations nationwide (check local listings for dates and times). Free streaming access is available with PBS Passport and through the free PBS App—for all devices including smart TVs.
So Many Memorable Moments
“There are so many memorable moments in the new season,” says J. “This one starts with flower legend, Mr. Phil Rulloda, AIFD, AAF, PFCI. Phil has been a mentor, instructor, and friend of mine–and hundreds, probably thousands, of florists—for many, many years. He and his wife Cathy graciously welcomed us to their home in Southern California, where Phil demonstrated floral techniques that he either developed or made popular.”
The American Institute of Floral Design was so inspired by Mr. Rulloda that they created the 'Design Influence Award' of which he was the inaugural recipient. “Phil is so skilled, and so sharing, and has such a positive energy—it was a joy to spend time with him, and Cathy as well. You’ll see that Cathy—while also a floral designer—is just as giving, creating a special flower cocktail and a special Polopino dish in the episode. They really went all-out, and I can’t thank them enough,” extolled J. “And–no visit with Phil would be complete without a lesson in weaving palm leaves into birds–one of Phil’s signatures in the flower world!”
A Bob Ross' Painting Through Flowers
Next up, is a visit to the original studio of PBS Icon Bob Ross (1942-1995), where his show 'The Joy of Painting' was filmed for many seasons. “I had the rare opportunity to interpret one of Bob’s original paintings through flowers! On the same set, standing in the very same spot where Bob stood, next to his easel, where his painting 'A Trace of Spring' is displayed for inspiration. Truly magical, surreal, and exciting all at the same time!” enthused J.
“Bob Ross is a public television icon, whose fame has only increased over the years due to the universal appeal of his relaxing demeanor. Bob is well-known beyond PBS and new generations are tuned into his style and taking up painting ‘with him’ on YouTube and Twitch, not to mention numerous citations as a prime example for ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) enjoyment,” says J.
Lei Day Celebrations in Hawaii
The new season also includes travel to Hawaii to learn about their Lei Day (May 1st) celebrations and the Aloha Spirit. “I am so fortunate to have been connected to so many wonderful people, who taught me so much about the art and culture of making Lei, I cannot wait to show viewers all that there is to the beauty and art of Lei and the flowers that go into the innumerable incarnations,” said J. “Plus I was thrilled when the host of 'Family Ingredients' on PBS Hawaii, Ed Kenney agreed to appear on the show—he prepares delicious local treats.”
“Everyone knows I love to tour a flower farm!” notes J. “And share them with viewers!” J tours FBI Flowers (Francis Biddle International) and revisits Kendall Farms. “Both of these farms are in the mountains of Southern California—such a beautiful setting—yet they each have perspectives and flowers unique to their farms,” continued J. “I always say every Flower Farm is different, so each one is fascinating and stunning for its own reasons.”
Plus...
Also included this season is an arrangement made from toy building bricks, permanent flowers, mason jars at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie, Indiana, flower design with a centenarian, flower crafts, flower frogs, and a return visit from Ms. Margo, exploring message from nature and insights for the new garden denizen, cocker spaniel Georgy Girl.
“We also remind viewers that flowers make a difference,” says J. “It’s been my life-long mission to show people how easy it is to improve their daily lives, by including flowers. Research has shown the presence of flowers has an immediate impact on people’s health and happiness”
Flowers continue to resonate with viewers, and the popular “Flowers from YOU!” feature returns for the new season. “I love to share pictures of bouquets that viewers create—they are sold on the positive impact flowers have in their lives,” exclaimed J.
Recipes and beverages including flower ingredients are also on board in the new season including flower cocktails, and mocktails, and shortbread flower cookies!
Also, this season is a fun and spooky bonus episode titled LIFE IN GLOOM – with plenty of ideas for how to include flowers during Halloween! Notes J, “Halloween as a holiday has expanded so much in recent years—and it’s a perfect opportunity to include flowers in the festivities, so I have some great ideas for everyone!”
Grateful to the Underwriters
“As always, I am so grateful to our underwriters,” said J. “Our friends at CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, and Passion Roses, return for the new season, along with two new underwriters—Suntory Flowers and FabulousFlorals.com. Their financial support is what makes it possible to create the series and is reflected in the shared success of the show.” said J.
“Suntory Flowers joins the show as a new underwriter. They are best known by cut flower fans for their Florigene Suntory Moonseries Carnations, BluOcean® Chrysanthemums, and Blue Rose Applause® Roses,” explained J. Another division of Suntory Flowers is a leader in planting varieties developed for Garden Centers, focused on the intersection of modern genetics, innovation, and the joy of gardening—including the varieties Million Bells and Surfinia to Senetti and Princettia.
“Our new Closed Caption Underwriter, is FabulousFlorals.com,” said J. “We so appreciate their contribution, and are excited for our viewers to be made aware of a wonderful resource for flowers! They are a very popular option for sourcing the most beautiful flowers for weddings, parties, and events,” continued J, “and they carefully pack and ship flowers nationwide!”
“Flowers do so much good for each and every one of us!” concluded J, “and it means everything for me and my team to continue to deliver the positive impact that flowers and the flower industry have to a nationwide audience. Thank you all, and I hope you find some time to watch and enjoy the new season. I can’t wait for the viewer reactions to begin pouring in!”
Presented and Distributed by American Public Television
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom is presented and distributed in the U.S. by American Public Television. Host J Schwanke is a fourth-generation florist, award-winning author, and speaker, whose passion for flowers is infectious. The show’s underwriters include CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, Passion Roses, Suntory Flowers, and closed caption funder FabulousFlorals.com. Check local public television and Create TV listings to find out when J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom airs in your area, or watch via PBS Passport or the PBS App for smart TVs and devices. The show is also available to stream for free at www.uBloom.com/LifeInBloom.
About J Schwanke
Fourth-generation florist J Schwanke is a flower expert, and professional speaker, regarded as the most trusted voice in the flower industry. He was actually born at a flower convention, and grew up in his family’s greenhouses and flower shop, eventually managing them. J is the host and creator of the TV show J SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM, beginning its seventh season on public television. The show educates viewers on the health and wellness benefits flowers offer, including ‘how-to’s’ on flower arranging and a variety of projects—even recipes with flowers. The Life in Bloom Foundation, J’s 501c3 non-profit, supports the production and distribution of the show. J’s website, uBloom.com, offers additional video instruction in flower arranging, for amateurs and professionals 24/7! J has given flower demonstrations in all 50 states, Canada and England. Highlights include the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Art in Bloom, Bouquets to Art, San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, and Flowers at Kensington Palace. The J Schwanke YouTube Channel has over 95,800 subscribers and more than 11 million views. J is the author of Fun with Flowers, a Living Now Book Award Silver winner, and Bloom 365—The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers Every Day, Gold IPPY winner (Home and Garden category), and Independent Publisher Book Awards. Bloom 365 features 365 tips, tricks, and techniques to make flower arranging easier.
American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performances, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, America’s Test Kitchen, Rick Steves’ Europe, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, My Life is Murder, Pati’s Mexican Table, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Table for All with Buki Elegbede, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Lucky Chow, NHK Newsline, BBC News, and Biz Kid$ are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV—featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming—and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science, and documentary channel. More information at APTonline.org.
Header and feature image: J Schwanke at Little Plumeria Farm in Hawaii. All images courtesy of J Schwanke.
