“J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Celebrates its 100th Show in Season Eight”
For Immediate Release
Contact: J Schwanke
Phone: (616) 446-6086
Email: j@uBloom.com
Grand Rapids, MI, April 2, 2026 – “I can hardly believe we have produced one hundred episodes, sharing the benefits of flowers,” enthuses J Schwanke, host and creator. J Schwanke's Life in Bloom, a flower lifestyle television show seen in the U.S. on public television (PBS) stations nationwide, encourages viewers to enjoy arranging flowers, and reinforces the health and wellness benefits flowers offer.
“One hundred 30-minute shows all about flowers, reaching communities across the nation every week on public television!” continued J. “Over 115 million households – it really boggles the mind to comprehend the show’s fantastic reach for our message of flowers.” The new season will premiere in April of 2026 on local public television stations nationwide (check local listings for dates and times). Free streaming access is available with PBS Passport and through the free PBS App - for all devices including smart TV’s.
“We have a special show celebrating episode one hundred, including the beautiful input viewers have provided,” says J. “We have added a new feature, “Breathe & Bloom” and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy a moment of calm every week. Another highlight is a visit to the San Francisco Flower Market, and their brand new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to flowers – seeing this place is just as impressive as experiencing the countless flowers in it!”
Kindness is the theme of another episode. “Flowers and kindness go hand in hand, and we can all appreciate a small reminder of the difference a little kindness can make – and flowers are a natural vehicle for such an expression.” enthused J. 
“How about a greenhouse with literally millions of Gerbera Daisies growing?” inquires J.
“Our friends at Ocean Breeze Flower Farms welcomed our crew to share the story of their multi-generational family farm.”
Flower friend Robin van der Schaaf reveals the incredible journey of Lily bulbs – from Amsterdam, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Panama Canal, arriving in California, to be stored in coolers, until the time is right to set them into the ground and start the process of growing beautiful blooms – to be enjoyed in bouquets all across the nation.
Season eight includes a visit to Hawai’i to learn about the flowers grown there, as well as the Aloha Spirit. “We visit Green Point Nurseries, which grows all manner of tropical flowers, and we also learn about Dr. Tessie Amore’s flower breeding program at the University of Hawai’i,” said J. “Plus the host of “Family Ingredients” on PBS Hawai’i, Ed Kenney, kindly joins us again, as well as mixologist Jenny Fiedler.”
Also included this season is a large scale topiary exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, local flowers at Idlewild Farm, tips from Certified Forest Therapy Guide Mo Stine, bird watching with podcaster RJ Pole, days of wine and roses with Lost Fawn Winery, the connections between flowers and wellness, and flowers to beautify any space – including on your plate, with Chef Trimell Hawkins.
“We always remind viewers that flowers make a difference,” says J. “It’s been my life-long mission to show people how easy it is to improve their daily lives, by including flowers. Research has shown the presence of flowers has an immediate impact on people’s health and happiness”
Flowers continue to resonate with viewers, and the popular “Flowers from YOU!” feature returns for the new season. “I love to share pictures of bouquets that viewers create - they are sold on the positive impact flowers have in their lives,” exclaimed J. Recipes and beverages including flower ingredients are also on part of the new season including flower cocktails and mocktails, and salami roses!
“Christmas is popular with our audience, so we have created a show themed around the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol,” J relates. “I’ll reveal my favorite Christmas ghost, along with traditions, recipes, and flower projects perfect for families!”
“As always, I am so grateful to our underwriters,” said J. “Our friends at CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, Passion Roses, Suntory Flowers and FabulousFlorals.com all return for Season 8. Their financial support is what makes it possible to create the series and is reflected in the shared success of the show.” said J.
“Flowers do so much good for each and every one of us!” concluded J, “and it means everything for me and my team to continue to deliver the positive impact Flowers and the Flower Industry have to a nationwide audience. Thank you all, and I hope you find some time to watch and enjoy the new season. I can’t wait for the viewer reactions to begin pouring in!”
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom is presented and distributed in the U.S. by American Public Television. Host J Schwanke, is a fourth-generation florist, award-winning author, and speaker, whose passion for flowers is infectious. The show’s underwriters include CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, Passion Roses, Suntory Flowers, and closed caption funder FabulousFlorals.com. Check local public television and Create TV listings to find out when J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom airs in your area, or watch via PBS Passport or the PBS App for smart TVs and devices. The show is also available to stream for free at www.uBloom.com/LifeInBloom.
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About J Schwanke
Fourth-generation florist J Schwanke is a flower expert, professional speaker, regarded as the most trusted voice in the flower industry. He was actually born at a flower convention, and grew up in his family’s greenhouses and flower shop, eventually managing them. J is the host and creator of the TV show J SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM, beginning its eighth season on public television. The show educates viewers on the health and wellness benefits flowers offer, including ‘how-to’s’ on flower arranging and a variety of projects – even recipes with flowers. The Life in Bloom Foundation, J’s 501c3 non-profit, supports production and distribution of the show. J’s podcast, Behind the Bloom, is co-hosted with RJ pole and produced weekly – available on most podcast platforms.
American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, America’s Test Kitchen, Rick Steves’ Europe, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Lucky Chow, and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. More information at APTonline.org