Farms and Flowers-Season 8 Premiere #813
Flowers and Farms are Highlights of this episode of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” - Watch for FREE here NOW!
Flowers and Farms are on the agenda in this episode - including a Farm Garden, a Flower Farm, a Flower Arrangement with Garden Tools- and a versatile recipe from a dear friend. Watch Episode #813 - here NOW!
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul." - Alfred Austin
“The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth and manure.” – D. H. Lawrence
J tours the Farm Garden complete with Sculptures- with Steve LaWarre- at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids MI- Watch this episode of Life in Bloom here NOW!
Farms - whether they be for flowers or food - are central to our well-being. And Farmers are a special breed that deserve our admiration and understanding. Growing, nurturing, and sustaining and specific skills that call for deep commitment by farmers. We’ll learn about farms of past times in a permanent outdoor exhibit at Meijer Gardens. Then we’ll visit a local flower farm, Idlewild. I’ll also make an arrangement on a grand scale honoring farmers and utilize a classic farm product - eggs - with a recipe from a dearly departed mentor.”
A Historical Farm Visit with Steve LaWarre
J visits the Michigan’s Farm Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with Flower friend Steve LaWarre!
Today we are at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to enjoy their Michigan Farm Garden. Joining me is Steve LaWarre to help us discover what a Michigan farm was like in the 1940’s…
Michigan’s Farm Garden focuses on gardening and horticulture as it would have appeared in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. Through heirloom vegetables, flowers, and an orchard reminiscent of the era, visitors gain an understanding of farms when they were truly self-sufficient.
The farmhouse, barn, gardens, and animal pens are reminders of a bygone era when the land supplied the family with groceries and income; a time when every family member helped with chores. This farmhouse is a three-quarter-scale model of Lena Rader Meijer’s childhood home. Farm animals are represented by bronze sculptures throughout Michigan’s Farm Garden. Various vegetable gardens and flower beds dedicated to heirloom varieties are planted behind the farmhouse.
Central to Michigan’s Farm Garden is the replica 1880s farmhouse, a three-quarter-scale model of Lena Rader Meijer’s childhood home. The wraparound porch has rocking chairs that allow visitors to reminisce and relax.
The windmill, an important feature on the farm, supplied water and powered other machinery. Restored to its original glory, this windmill is from the family farm where Lena Rader Meijer grew up.
The vegetable gardens and flower beds are dedicated to heirloom varieties—open pollinated types used for more than 50 years. The rose bushes found at Michigan’s Farm Garden originally grew in Lena Meijer’s home garden and were passed on to her by her mother. Vegetables harvested here are used seasonally in the James & Shirley Balk Café. J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Season 8 August 22, 2025
The century-old barn at Michigan’s Farm Garden was moved from a farm in Algoma Township, north of Meijer Gardens. It features white pine walls, ponderosa pine flooring, and a cedar shake roof. Awarded “2005 Barn of the Year” by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, our barn remains a symbol of a vanishing way of life.
Introducing the Snippe Family- including Official Farm Greeter- Merle… Watch this episode Here NOW!
A Visit to Idlewild Farm
J visits Idlewild Farm- with Flower Farmers- Heather and Aaron Snippe and children Adah and Reuben and their Flower Loving staff Katelyn Ketelaar and Torie Crouse.
The Idlewild Farm Pigs are named after kids’ favorite composers Amadeus Mozart, and Felix Mendelssohn. Along with original Pig Gayle. The pigs help manage regenerative farming practices.
Adah- tending to their Pigs- who are responsible for regenerative farming at Idlewild Farm! Watch NOW!
“Welcome to Idlewild Farm, a 40 acre, family farm located in Belding, MI. They specialize in growing cut-flowers, and are passionate about growing practices that honor the natural world. Idlewild is the obsession of Heather and Aaron Snippe who bring flowers from the earth – along with their children Adah and Reuben – Oh, and let’s not forget the official farm greeter Merle
From their website https://www.idlewildfarm.com/
We farm using natural, regenerative practices that not only protect pollinators but help them thrive.
We sell seasonally to florists, attend the Fulton Farmer's Market on Wednesdays & Saturdays, offer U-pick flowers, flower farm stand and offer bouquet subscriptions.
Just a sample of the Gorgeous Flowers- they grow at Idlewild Farm- it’s the most beautiful farm- Watch NOW!
Featured Flower: Adah and Reuben share their Favorite Flowers from thier Farm!
J discusses favorite flowers with Adah (Gomphrena) and Reuben (Verbena Globiosa) Snippe of Idelwild Farms
A Garden Sculpture- featuring Farming Tools- is a highlight in the Garden… J shows you how step by step here!
Farm Tool Flower Sculpture GARDEN
J makes a free-standing arrangement using Farm Tools - J creates a tripod with Vintage Garden Tools… and then adorns it with flowers- follow the step by step with J- in this segment of Life in Bloom!
Eggs Humility is a Favorite Sunday Morning Breakfast at our House… here’s the Recipe in my Blog!
Eggs Humility KITCHEN
J makes a versatile dish, eggs humility coined and created by his mentor Richard Seaboldt.
“I learned this recipe from my mentor and dear friend Richard Seaboldt. This was a favorite recipe of his, so noted for its versatility. I suspect he may have coined the name “eggs humility” as it is a humble dish that anyone can create. Eggs are really the only essential ingredient - add whatever you have in the fridge to make this anytime. Here’s a Link to the Recipe in my Blog!
Viewer Feedback - Terri Hicks GARDEN
“And now, it’s time for my favorite part of the show - Flowers from you - the viewers! Today I have a an amazing arrangement from Terri Hicks of Colombia, South Carolina - Terri writes:
“I work for a flower farm in Blythewood, SC. My boss and I grow all our flowers for local florist and bouquet subscriptions.”
Thank you for sharing this Beautiful Bouquet Terri- I love that you are Growing so many types of flowers- and arranging them Perfectly!
“Please send me YOUR pictures of flower arrangements inspired by Life in Bloom - we call them “Schwankies” after a viewer’s nickname. Send them to j@ubloom.com - and watch for more Schwankies on upcoming shows”
It’s all about the Farm- on this episode of Life in Bloom- Tours, Recipes and Flower Arranging included- Watch Now!
“I hope you have enjoyed our foray into farm life and its beautiful, comforting, and delicious rewards.. For Life in Bloom, I’m J Schwanke.”