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

Any professional educator at the middle school, high school, community college, or university levels is welcome to a FREE subscription to uBloom.com. Professional Educators are invited to send requests to j@ubloom.com

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.

We are grateful for the Underwriters of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Since 2019, the dedicaton and generosity of our Underwriters has kept the show on the air, and allows the production of 14 new episodes annually!

Today on Behind the Bloom I’d like to introduce you to Eric Santoli – a Water Colour Artist- that you will be meeting in Season 7 of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom….Episode 702- Painting with Flowers.