Looking for something special ? Cocktails or Recipes created on J’s shows…
Try #FlowerCocktailHour or #RecipeinBloom - for a list- You get the idea…
Episode #507 - Fleur de la Vie (Flower of Life)
Considering the significant artistic achievements of the French in so many areas - such as painting, architecture, formal gardens, wine, and cuisine, it is not surprising to find an French influence in floristry and flower arranging. There are some often-used techniques with flowers that have their origins in France. And while perfumes did not originate in France, Louis the XV (fifteenth’s) embrace of them in the 18th century established the country as a leading purveyor of scent - often derived from flowers. Flowers are also famously the subjects of many French artists including Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
Behind the Bloom - Arranging Flowers with Jean-Yves Münch
Today on Behind the Bloom, I’m joined by my long-time friend and sound mixer, Jean-Yves Münch. He has been with me since I began filming way back in 2006…nearly 20 years. He is a Frenchman and thus was the perfect guest for our French Inspired “Life in Bloom” Episode - Fleur de la Vie.Jean-Yves and I talk French inspiration and creation and also create beautiful bouquets of flowers, recalling fond memories. I hope you enjoy getting to know my French friend and learning more about his history, French influences and of course…flowers!
Blue Butterfly Pea Infused Vodka - and Butterfly Tea!
Blue Butterfly pea flowers are is used for the traditional Thai welcome iced tea drink - just add a teaspoon of honey and squeeze of lemon to your tea and serve over ice. It has an amazing vivid blue color which changes to purple when the lemon is added.
Episode #506- Am I Blue?
Today on Life In Bloom, we’re diving into the Blue - Blue Flowers that is. I’ll make a large scale arrangement themed to the blue skies and clouds. I'm joined by my flower friend meteorologist Aaron, we’ll review the rarest color in all flowers, and a create a blue cocktail using sweet pea flowers.
Episode #505- Flower Tales
The symbolic language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. They even play a large role in William Shakespeare’s works. Mythologies, folklore, sonnets, and plays of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism. Learning the meanings of flowers was a popular pastime during the 1800s. Many Victorian homes had guidebooks for deciphering the “language,” based not only on the flowers but also color. Even today, though less specifically, we rely on flowers to express our feelings, when words seem difficult.
Lavender & Lemon Balm Popsicles #RecipeInBloom
These herbal popsicles are flavored with Lavender and Lemon Balm and are easy to make. Lavender and lemon balm are relaxing, stress reducing, and good for the digestive system. Interestingly, Lavender flower meanings include faith, love, and protection, but also distrust. Here’s how to make them…”
Episode #504 - A Moment in Time (Dried & Preserved Flowers)
While the fleeting nature of flowers is one of my favorite things about them, sometimes it’s nice to have them around for a longer spell. For years, people have toiled for ways to extend and preserve flower life with varying success. From heirloom methods of successfully drying blooms cut from your own yard to modern methods of preservation devised by scientists, dried and preserved flower have much beauty to offer – and enjoyment can sometimes be sustained indefinitely. Join me to learn more of the magic of flowers that have been dried or preserved.
Cumulus Arrangement!
Today on At Home with Flowers, I’m creating a BIG cloud like arrangement that resembles a cumulus cloud for my visit with Aaron Ofseyer who is a Meterologist and also a BIG guy! The concept for this arrangement came from a trend report I created a few years ago which featured the trend Cumulus, based on Clouds.
Lavender Bitters Recipe - Lavender Blanc #FlowerCocktailHour
My friend Kim Carson joins me to make lavender bitters the recipe is easy- and takes a little time- so we walk through that process- rather than do it LIVE... the great news is that you NOW have lavender bitters- that are shelf stable- and you can use them to make lots of interesting flower cocktails- or low proof mocktails.
Episode #503- Herbs in Bloom
There’s a great companion to flowers and it’s growing in many gardens right next to the blooms - or should be, at least. I’m talking about Herbs. The large variety of these often fragrant plants prove to be great options for greenery accents in bouquets and arrangements - with the added benefit of fragrance. Mint is a lovely scent in any bouquet. I also grow an abundance of Basil in my gardens and reap the rewards not only for arranging but also to make pesto - to enjoy now and through the winter with frozen portions always at the ready. The perks of blending herbs with flowers are many as we’ll show you in this episode.
"Flowers Grave" - #flowercocktailhour
I loved this recipe so much- that the bartender was kind enough to write it down on a cash register receipt- that I have carried in my wallet ever since... I frequently pull it out when I'm at a bar that has the secret ingredient "Chartruese"... and ask the bartender to make me a "Flowers Grave".
Episode #502 - Great Explorations
J shows us how to escape into the flower world without racking up thousands of mile. We become a flower tourist in J’s home town - Grand Rapids, Michigan; and visit a Japanese Garden & Sculpture Park. Travel to the exotic world of Tiki where J creates an outstanding tropical flower arrangement & visits his friend Anthony Carpenter; a local artist that shares his passion for escaping through his original art. It’s part of the Flower Explorations- we can do right at home!
Underwriters Keep Season 5 of "J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom" - Blooming!
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.
Episode #501 - Innovation in Bloom
Innovation in the world of flowers is our theme for this episode of Life in Bloom. We’ll learn about the different ways new flowers and flowering plants are developed and show some of them off in creative arrangements. Innovation in the world of Flowers is all around us- just waiting to be discovered!
Lemon Mint Mocktail - #FlowerMocktailHour
I grow a great deal of organic mint- and I love it as a cut flower/foliage in my Arrangements- but it's also a wonderful additive to a Not With Alcohol Libation- pairing it with Lemon- will give us a wonderful fresh- thirst quenching- 0-Proof Crafted Flower Inspired Drink: the Lemon Mint Mocktail! Plus it looks great in these wonderful vintage Mid-Century Glasses that are adorned with Fabulous Foliage!