Looking for something special ? Cocktails or Recipes created on J’s shows…
Try #FlowerCocktailHour or #RecipeinBloom - for a list- You get the idea…
Episode 512 - Flower Foraging!
More than once in my life have I foraged for flowers and foliage to arrange or add to a bouquet, sometime referred to as “Road-sidia.” However there are guidelines that are wise to follow - for example, you want to be able to harvest again in the future, so it’s important to limit what you take any single time. Herbs and other plants found in nature - whether in a rural or urban location, or even from your yard - can also be harvested and utilized in many ways. You can forage in your garden for botanicals that seem past their prime for a creative outcome to arrangements. One can also forage in the home for unexpected containers for a bouquets and unusual objects for other arrangements. Let’s discover what can be foraged, in this episode of Life In Bloom.
Episode #511 - Bouquets in Bloom
There are few things more inviting than a bouquet of flowers. If you want to make friends quickly, bring a bouquet as a cheerful offering – hardly anyone says “no” to a bouquet of flowers. I’ve found bouquets to be an effective calling card in all facets of living - personal, formal, professional, or casual - there’s an appropriate bouquet for any situation. Creating and giving a bouquet is a meaningful, personal, gesture – and need not be at all difficult – I’ll show you techniques for beginners to connoisseurs, on this episode of Life In Bloom.
Episode #510- Petal Pushers
J’s “pushing petals” – literally and figuratively on Life in Bloom. You’ll learn the importance of petal counts for roses, and the importance of retaining the “Gard petal”. Together we’ll craft with petals, and create a “Duchess Rose”. J assembles an artistic creation that can become an invitation or post card, creates a petal perfect mocktail, and even include petals in an hors d’ouerve spread!
Herbed Butter with Edible Flower Petals - #RecipeInBloom
- Using the back of a wooden spoon, smear the butter in a half-moon on a wooden cutting board, marble cheese board or platter. Really, anything works for presentation.- Season the butter generously with the flaky salt and the fresh cracked pepper. Zest the lemon overtop the butter.- Sprinkle on the flower petals and the fresh herb leaves, using as many or few as you like.- Serve the butter with a Saltines (or a french bread or interesting crackers... I love the Saltines... hehehe!)
Ginger Rose Mocktail- #FlowerCocktailHour
Set up for this Mocktail- includes Organic Rose Petals affixed to the glasses with Local Honey!The set up for this 0 Proof Ginger Rose Fizz Libation- give it all the grace and wonderful of a Fancy Cocktail... to prepare the glass dip the edge of the highball glassinto Organic Honey- I like to use Local Honey- this is from our Friends at Creswick Farms- and it's local - thus providing additional health and wellness benefits-
Behind the Bloom - with Anthony Carpenter
Today on Behind the Bloom, I’m visiting with Illustrator Extraordinaire: Anthony Carpenter! I love Anthony’s art and he has so many different mediums in which he showcases it. This video is filled with links to follow Anthony, watch him create art, illustrations and even T-shirts…So, let’s go behind the bloom to learn more about my friend and amazing artist, Anthony Carpenter!
" Flowers from YOU " - Life in Bloom Viewers Arrange Flowers Weekly.
What was the inspiration for the new feature on the show – titled “Flowers from YOU!”? “We kept getting picture of arrangements that viewers have made – which were unsolicited. I was so happy to see them. That kind of activation demonstrates the show is really resonating with the public. Viewers are not only watching the show, they are trying their hand at arranging flowers, many for the first time. I love seeing the results – beautiful flowers around the home,” explained Schwanke, host and creator of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, seen on public television (PBS) stations nationwide.
Behind the Bloom - Chatting and Arranging Flowers with Aaron Ofseyer
I’m sharing some more of the fun chat and time I had with my Meteorologist friend Aaron Ofseyer. We had a wonderful time and visited about our times at the TV Station, the states he’s lived in, clouds and the Flower Power Challenge. I hope you enjoy more time with my flower friend Aaron!
Episode #508 Collections in Bloom
Today on Life In Bloom it’s all about collections, living collections of trees and hosta plants in the garden, artwork featuring flowers in various forms - and even swizzle sticks and recipes. In some circles I might be known to be a bit of a pack rat. I do love a good collection and have many personal collections that I enjoy. I’ve shared my flower frog collection on the show - as well as my Starburst Franciscan Dinnerware. Although she mainly collects experiences, as many people do today, I’ve even inspired my niece Grace to collect the pattern Echo, by the same creator, Mary Chalmers Brown. I do try to be mindful of collections, however, and have become more particular to adding to collections or starting new ones. Of course, this rarely applies to flowers. I can always find a bit of room in the garden for another specimen. Let’s dive into some curated collecting and see where we wind up.
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.
The Sidecar Cocktail - #FlowerCocktailHour
This sweet, luminous cocktail was born in Paris, but named because of an American. (Ahhh, international cooperation at its finest!) An American army captain was said to roll up to Harry’s Bar in his friend’s motorcycle sidecar (bless the Roaring ‘20s) and request a drink to warm up before dinner. Since it was a bit of a faux pas to have straight liquor so early in the evening, the bartender went ahead and mixed the cognac with some other ingredients. And thus, the beloved Sidecar was born.