The name J Schwanke is synonymous with flowers and real-life floral joy. With a lot of positive energy, he creates smart and approachable designs. Moreover, J is a long-time host of 'Life in Bloom', a lifestyle television show centered around flowers that is broadcast on Public Television and Create TV stations all over the United States.
So, let's explore this interesting man, who is a fourth-generation florist, to some, 'the flower expert', to others simply but strikingly nicknamed 'flower guy'. No wonder J is considered the most trusted voice in the flower industry. If you have credentials like that, you truly are an industry personality, right?
But Who Is He? Who Is J Schwanke?
J Schwanke’s love of flowers began early. When you were born during a snowstorm at a state flower convention in Nebraska, you were probably destined to become one of the world's most famous flower personalities. His floral journey began at home and bloomed from there, because he's already traveled all fifty U.S. states, plus Canada, Mexico, several European countries, and beyond, sharing flower demos and stories that feel more like catching up with a good friend.
He joined his family’s Flower business, Green’s Greenhouses Inc., in 1976 and directed the flower shop and garden center operations starting in 1981. His career in the flower industry took off because J’s passion for flowers is far-reaching and infectious. J has given thousands of live flower demonstrations. In every State of the US, in Canada, Mexico, and throughout Europe.
He’s earned serious respect as a Certified Flower Designer (CFD) and a member of AAF, AIFD, and PFCI. And he’s won awards like the Tommy Bright Lifetime Achievement and Crystal Rose 'Living Legend' honors. At the AIFD National Symposium in July 2024, J was honored with the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry—a huge nod to his role in floral education and outreach via Life in Bloom and beyond.
Online & On-Air: J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
J created and still hosts J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom—a flower lifestyle TV show that airs on PBS, Create TV, and is streamable on PBS.org, the PBS App, and locally via PBS Passport. It’s distributed by American Public Television (APT) and reaches a weekly audience of about 116 million U.S. households.
Despite public television funding worries, the show is still thriving thanks to its underwriters (CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, Passion Roses, Suntory Flowers, FabulousFlorals.com), plus support through his Life in Bloom Foundation, a 501(c)(3) launched in 2023 to help fund production and make it easier for viewers to chip in.
Season 8 Premiere’s continue with Episode #812- Get Outside (Watch NOW) On Life in Bloom today we’re taking the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors in nature, including a visit with a certified forest therapy guide, Bird watching, flowers – of course – and an old-fashioned picnic break. It’s time to put down those electronic devices- and Get Outside- Literally- to experience Nature-Trees, Birds- and especially Flowers!
J. Schwanke:
"We always choose a quote for the Beginning of each Episode- and this week we had so many to choose from- I decide to include them all- in my blog… ENJOY!"
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her." - William Wordsworth
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." - Frank Lloyd Wright
"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect." - Alice Walker
"The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature." – Shikoba
"Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." – John Muir
uBloom.com
J is the owner and CEO of uBloom.com, a website devoted to everything flowers. Here, flower fans everywhere have the opportunity to learn from J and experience the fun of flowers and flower arranging, 24/7! J Schwanke 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's Life in Bloom YouTube channel continues to draw interest with over 350 videos posted, and sits at over 96,000 subscribers and more than 11 million views. J is the author of Fun with Flowers, a Living Now Book Award winner, and Bloom 365 – The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers Every Day, awarded the Gold IPPY (Home and Garden category) by the Independent Publisher Book Awards. on-stop.
Feature image by uBloom. All images from @j_schwankes_life_in_bloom, unless otherwise noted.
