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Episode 514 - Holiday for Blooms
In this special edition of Life in Bloom, J shows you ways to enjoy flowers for the holiday. J gives us a tour of his holiday decorations- show us how to decorate a mini boxwood tree, and create a Triple Berry centerpiece complete with floating cranberries. Learn to wrap presents the “J-way”, and a bouquet made with a few of J’s favorite things.
Episode 513- Flower Memories
Flowers have a way of intertwining with memories in this episode of Life In Bloom. We’ll visit with my grandpa, Carnation Joe, discuss first memories of flowers, memorialize those who’ve gone before us and even enjoy some happy clouds.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Episode #414- Autumn Harvest
Autumn is in the air on this special episode of Life In Bloom. The bounty of Autumn Harvest- from pumpkins, to ears of stained glass corn, to chrysanthemums, and even roses crafted from colorful leaves, all play a part in these inviting flower arrangements. Plus an Autumn table-scape, and a tempting cocktail to celebrate the Autumn Harvest season.
Episode #413- Tropical Bloom
On today’s Life In Bloom it’s a taste of the tropics with a Tropical Bloom - including a large scale party centerpiece, Wall Art made of foliage, I’ll show you easy techniques to create your own Monstera Madness, make Leis with my friend Jennifer, and we’ll also make a classic tropical cocktail.
Episode #412- What Goes Around
We’re looking at ways to re-use, re-purpose, and recycle - including upcycling thrift store vases, I’ll get some help building a garden bench from palettes, we’ll also recycle leftovers and even a flower arrangement - after all- what goes around- becomes an important part of our Life In Bloom.
Episode 411- Hooray for Hydrangea
Today’s Life In Bloom is all about the very popular Hydrangea. We’ll visit a flower farm that grows Hydrangea, arrange with Garden Hydrangea, as well as create simple and elaborate bouquets - there’s even a Hydrangea Cocktail! Cheers!
Episode #410 - Simply Flowers
Today’s Life In Bloom reminds us that arranging flowers doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ll review simple ways to display flowers for a great pick-me-up, show how to chop and drop to increase creativity, add floral flavors to simple syrup, and visit a Sunflower field for pictures and more.
Episode #409- Birds of a Feather
Birds and flowers combine for a flight of fancy. Host J Schwanke learns tips for photographing hummingbirds, shows off vintage vases, and explores sculpting with willow branches.