Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole

This week’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a Companion to Life in Bloom Episode #113 - Demystifying Orchids… We’ll talk about one of my Favorite Projects… the composite-Orchid- a Giant Orchid made of many smaller ones- I give some basic tips about caring for orchids… I share an exquisite project courtesy of my Friend Mandy Majerik- and talk about my Visit to Westerlay orchids where they grow Millions...

This companion Episode to Life in Bloom #112 - Terrariums - Life under Glass… is all about Terrariums… RJ and I will talk about taking my Crew back to my Family Greenhouse in Nebraska and filming my Sister the Terrarium Master! You’ll meet Yolanda the Orchid… and we’ll talk about ways you can emulate Terrariums in your Flower Arrangements- all coming up in this episode of Behind the Bloom with RJ...

This Behind the Bloom is a companion to Episode #111 The Art of Flowers- we’ll visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum for their Art in Bloom Flower event… I visited with Flower Artists that interpreted works of Art with Flowers- I visit PA Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm… and I’ll tell you about the First Segment- that didn’t make it to public television… get ready for some fun behind the bloom stories- wit...

The New Year is the Perfect time to raise a glass and toast the future! What better way to do so than with a Flower Cocktail… and that’s what RJ and I are talking about today! The Origins of Flower Cocktail Hour- how it came about… and why we decided to make Flower Cocktails (and Mocktails) a permanent part of our Life in Bloom. I’ll share some of my favorite recipes, secret ingredients, that even...

In this companion Episode to Life in Bloom Episode 110- A Flower Arrangers Best Friend- RJ and I will be talking about one of my Favorite Collectibles- the Flower Frog- I have hundreds of them. Flower Frogs were a perfect topic for Life in Bloom- We’ll talk about Hamilton Dahlia Farm- and their link to Kellogg’s Cereal- I submerge a Dahlia Underwater- and share some of collection- in this very spe...

It’s time to get into the Holiday Spirit- with Flowers of course… today on Behind the Bloom RJ and I are talking Christmas Flower Traditions- I’ve got some great Flower Ideas to share- and some great Stories that center around the Holidays… let’s jump in the sleigh and get ready to deck the halls- with Lots of Flowers -  today on Behind the Bloom! Buy J’s Award Winning Book- Bloom 365- www.uBloom....

Teaser: I’ve got a real affinity for Foliage and Plants… I learned to improve my Green Thumb when it comes to Plants… and I’ll share how to install a Green Wall Planter… With this Companion podcast to Episode #109 All Foliage - Living Green- We’ll visit the Fern Capital of the World- and make some foliage wrapping paper… I’m really excited to share my Favorite take on a bloody mary- inspired by my...

Today on Behind the Bloom , RJ and I dive into the vibrant world of Flower Power —our companion podcast to Episode #108, “Flower Power!” If you’re looking for more joy, positivity, and inspiration in your life, this episode is blooming with it. I’ll show you how to “Petal It Forward” with flowers, share my favorite fundraiser—the Flower Power Challenge—and even get a fun “flower tattoo.” It’s time...

Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as we go “Out on a Limb” with flowers and fruit in this companion podcast to Episode #107 of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom —“Out on a Limb with Flowers and Fruit.” In this episode, we explore creative, unexpected ways to combine fresh flowers and seasonal fruit in your home décor and DIY projects. We’ll show you how to arrange flowers in a watermelon , build a fruit shish-...

Today on Behind the Bloom- we’re Talking Tulips and Episode 106 - Tulips- year round spring… I’ll share about my Friend, and tulip expert - Lane DeVries - and we’ll learn about Tulips from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Of course I have Tulip arranging tips and I’ll explain why Tulips are the EASIEST flower to Arrange… Tulips aren’t just for Spring! Now we can have Tulips all year roun...

Fall is my favorite time of the year… and I love celebrating Autumn with Flowers… We’ve dedicated a Life in Bloom Episode to Autumn decorating- as well as many more Video projects on uBloom.com.  Fall is a perfect time to decorate with flowers - including Thanksgiving, of course! My Grandpa, Carnation Joe, was born on Thanksgiving… so I have plenty of fun stories to share!  We’ll talk Pumpkins, St...

Today on Behind the Bloom- RJ and I will be digging into the World of Succulents…The “not quite” flowers- and the subject of Episode 105 of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” - We visit Succulents Gardens… an incredible resource in Mid-coast California.  I’ll share memories behind this fun - and craft filled episode featuring the Echeveria- let’s get going and learn more about Succulents- the “Not Quite...

In this Halloween-themed episode of Behind the Bloom , J Schwanke and RJ Pole dive into the spooky side of flowers! 🌸👻 Discover creative ways to celebrate Halloween with floral design, hauntingly beautiful “Boo-quets,” and festive flower decor ideas that bring seasonal magic to your home. J shares his favorite Halloween flower arrangements and decorating traditions — inspired by the Life in Bloo...

Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast ! I’m J Schwanke, and this week RJ and I are bringing you another companion episode — this time revisiting Season One, Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers . This one is especially close to my heart, because it shares the story of my own family’s floral history. As a fourth-generation florist, I’ve got deep roots in flowers—and you’ll even hear abo...

Today’s episode is all about my favorite part of the show— Flowers from YOU ! This highlights the beautiful arrangements created by our viewers. I’ll share the history, the names we considered, how it moved me personally, and why it’s such a special part of Life in Bloom . We’ll also dive into how the nickname “Schwankies” came to be—and more—in this Behind the Bloom Podcast. Edited by: Sam Schick...

Hi friends, and welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast! I’m J Schwanke, and this week’s episode is a very special companion to Season One, Episode 103 of Life In Bloom —The Romance of Flowers. In that episode, I visited a beautiful rose grower in California, enjoyed a flower-inspired cocktail hour, and shared so many wonderful stories about the timeless romance that flowers bring into our lives....

Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast with J Schwanke and RJ Pole ! In this episode, listeners get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Life In Bloom with host and celebrity florist J Schwanke . Co-host RJ Pole joined J on set to experience the creative process firsthand—and even stepped in front of the camera to share his passion for birdwatching . From the artistry of flower...

This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast , we’re revisiting Life In Bloom Episode 102 — Protea: Long Term Beauty . Protea are truly unlike any other flower—prehistoric, unique, and nearly 300 million years old. I’ll take you behind the scenes of our visit to Resendiz Brothers Protea Farm in Fallbrook, CA, where we filmed among breathtaking fields and connected with the incredible Mel Resendiz. Plus,...

This week we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get asked: How do you make your flowers last longer? There are so many myths out there, but I’m here to set the record straight with tips from my book Bloom 365 . We’ll dig into one of my favorite tips — Cold Water!   I’ll explain why cold water is a flower’s best friend, and why you should definitely skip the warm water if you want your...

This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast , I’m taking you all the way back to the very beginning — Life In Bloom Episode 101. We’ll revisit where it all started: the inspiration, the creation, and the mission behind the show. What does it really mean to live a Life In Bloom ?  I’ll share some behind-the-scenes stories from that very first day of filming. How we pulled the crew together, found the per...

This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast …I’m excited to share a little more about my flower world with all of you. I’ll be talking about how I first fell in love with flowers, the inspiration behind my show Life In Bloom , as well as break down what you can expect on our podcast.  I’ll also be diving into my books, Bloom 365 and Fun With Flowers . In fact, I’ll share one of my favorite tips straight...

Here is a teaser for the upcoming podcast: Behind The Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole!  Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as they dig deeper into J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom —the beloved PBS and Create TV show all about flowers. J, a 4th-generation florist (literally born at a flower convention!), is a natural storyteller who shares his lifelong passion for flowers. Together, he and longtime fan RJ tak...