The magic of Flowers is the theme for this episode. Stylist Aimie Vredevoogd joins J at the Los Angeles Flower Market to discuss how flowers lend their magic to everything. A visit with Mellano & Company, as they celebrate a century of magical flowers. Flower farming at FBI Flowers in the Mountains of Southern California.

I had the distinct pleasure to “talk story” with Kimo Keaulana- about Lei- and he brought his extensive collection to share with us and teach us more about Shell Lei, Fire Flower Lei- and Feather Lei- in this Behind the Bloom show today!

Today on Behind the Bloom I am deeply honored to present my Friend Kimo Keaulana- a Cultural Practitioner, Hawaiian Knowledge Teacher and Hula Master. Kimo graciously invited us to the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute- (translation: Where Heaven meets the Earth) –

Part two of our special trip to Hawaii, focused on the native art of the lei. A visit to a generational Pua Kenikeni tree and its care-takers. J chats with cultural practitioner Kimo about lei traditions and culture, then it’s off to the Lei-making contest and Lei Day celebration at Queen Kapiʻolani Park.

The Hawaiian Gibson- courtesy of Jenny Fiedler - Author of the Essential Bar Book- as featured in J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom- Episode 705 A Day for Lei #FlowerCocktailHour

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Today on Behind the Bloom- I’m viewing the 2024 Lei Day Contest- in Queen Kapi’olani Park with my Life Long Friend Deb Di Bella AIFD.

On location in Hawaii, with a special two-part episode focused on the native art of the lei. In part one, J visits a lei store in downtown Honolulu to see the variety and multitudes of lei, meets lei maker and author Meleana Estes, and tours Little Plumeria Farms. Also: Ed Kenney, host of the tv show “Family Ingredients,” creates a local dish.

Today’s Video is a Bonus Web-Exclusive- for Episode 703 Market Bunches- 4 Ways (Watch Here) - in Season 7 of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom…  I’ve got one more project up my Sleeve- with this Beautiful Market Bunch from our Friends at PassionRoses.com

J shows viewers multiple ways to arrange a classic BEAUTIFUL market bouquet (from our Friends at Passion Roses) yielding different looks, to enjoy your favorite bouquet in a new light! Ideas include: adding blooms from the garden, including fruit or vegetables, combinations of vases.

Today on Behind the Bloom- I’m with my incredible Flower Friend- Karen Lau Lee at Cindy’s Lei Shoppe in Honolulu. Karen shares the history of this Iconic Lei Shoppe

J visits the Bob Ross Studio in Muncie, IN and interprets a painting with flowers. Techniques for painting flowers in water color are shared by artist and instructor Eric Santoli. J arranges flowers with a dear friend and also mixes a Happy Trees Cocktail.

Happy Little Trees Cocktails- courtesy of Joan Kowalski- with this version- I introduced a Kiwi Liquor which is quite delicious!

J visits a Flower Design Icon: Phil Rulloda AIFD, Discovers new Anthurium blooms and tries a Polopino Pancite entrée, and a Hibiscus Bloom martini.

Hibiscus Bloom Cocktail- courtesy of Cathy Hillen-Rulloda- featured in Episode 701- Flower Icon- on J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom in Season 7!

Polopino Pancit courtesy of Cathy Hillen-Rulloda #RecipeInBloom from J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Flower Icon- Episode #701

Today on Behind the Bloom- I’m with my Flower Friend Joan Kowalski- at the Original Bob Ross Studio- inside the Bob Ross Experience at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie Indiana!

Our “Share your Schwankies” contest- begins again- April 1, 2025… Send in a photo of your Flower Arrangement inspired by Life in Bloom- and win a box of Flowers from Ocean Breeze Flower Farms… be sure to include your Name, Physical Address, and Where you watch Life in Bloom- Don’t forget to include permission to share your Flower Photos!

Today on At Home with Flowers I’m on location at Mellano & Company in the Original LA Flower Market- celebrating their 100^th Anniversary in the Flower Business.

Today on our At Home with Flowers Video on uBloom- I’m on location in Muncie Indiana… and I’m showing you how you can create a little Flower world of your own … We’ll be creating a fresh flower and foliage diorama.