Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole

All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) are just around the corner- and these two special events are the perfect time for Flowers- Today RJ and I will talk about fun ways to create Halloween and Day of the Dead Flower Projects that you can share with your family, kids, neighbors and friends… Join us for this Spook-tacular and Spiritual look at flowers… for Halloween and Day of the Dead!

Exclusive Videos:
Behind the Bloom with Sandy Villegas and Luna’s Paper Design
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Today RJ and I are diving into Season 4… can you believe it… and this podcast is a companion to Episode #401 - Flowers Care… It’s a great follow up to last week’s podcast as this show is dedicated to ways that Flowers Care for us and How we can better care for them… it’s all here on Behind the Bloom!

Exclusive Video(s):
Tips for Processing and Arranging Flowers- THIS IS A SECTION OF VIDEOS - to Choose!
https://watch.ubloom.com/help-your-fl...

Help your Flowers Last Longer- Section of Videos on the uBloom...

Today on Behind the Bloom - RJ and I are discussing why Flowers are so very important in the Grief Process, and why they are essential for everyone that experiences grief. I want to share a personal story - and how it evolved - and how the “In Lieu of Flowers” concept is detrimental to our own self healing,  health and wellness when it comes to grieving. This is a challenging topic - we’ll share the proven research about flowers and their function in the grief process. I hope you’ll listen along  with me and RJ today as we disc...

This week - RJ’s chosen the topic for our Podcast… and he wanted to know what inspired me or how I started making Videos about flowers! We’ll talk about the First Video I created for the John Henry Company about Weddings… Learn about the PILOT for Fun with Flowers and J- and even talk about JTV and the early days… it’s going to be a fun filled day… on Behind the Bloom Podcast with RJ and Me! 

Exclusive Video: JTV Season 1 Million View Video- The Faux Hand Tied Bouquet
https://watch.ubloom.com/jtv/season:9...

This week’s podcast is a Companion to Episode #313 Bloom Happy the final episode in Season 3 of Life in Bloom… and it’s all about things that make me happy- and includes flowers of course… This is when Life in Bloom was coming of age… and really started to attract more more viewers… I talk about some of my favorite things about flowers- that really make me happy… I make an arrangement of Peonies- I make some Novelty Flowers- and Visit one of my Favorite Places- the Original Historic San Francisco Flower Mart- and we make Turkey Noodle Ring… join RJ and Me t...

Today on Behind the Bloom - we’re letting RJ take the helm - to ask me some questions about When, Where and Why- I decided on a “Life Surrounded by Flowers”... I love creating this podcast with RJ- and he’s just as curious as me… and this week he wanted to find out more about my backstory- and how this guy ended up living a life in bloom- I’m as excited as you- to see what we discover today  on Behind the Bloom with RJ and me…

Links:
Gracie Allen and George Burns Video
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This companion podcast to Life in Bloom Episode #312 Sunshine Flowers- is all about Sunflowers - one of the Happiest Flowers on Earth… We’ll visit a Sunflower Field, my Flower Friend Kara Bolt makes some Sunflower Cookies… I make a sunflower garland, and share sunflower look-alikes - I make some Permanent Sunflower Wall art- and even create an artistic armature for Sunflower arranging… it’s all about Sunflowers this week on Behind the Bloom with RJ and Me. 

Episode #312- Sunshine Flowers- J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
https://watch.ubloom.com/life-in-bloo...

Exclusive Video: Behind...

What if you stopped fighting your lawn—and let nature take over?

On this episode of Behind the Bloom, J shares an update on his ongoing experiment to rewild his lawn and transform traditional turf grass into a Flower Lawn—or “FLAWN.”

Rewilding your lawn is about creating a more natural, sustainable landscape by reducing mowing and chemical use while making more room for flowers, pollinators, birds, insects, and other backyard wildlife. It’s a different way of thinking about what a beautiful yard can look like—and what it...

Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #311 of Life in Bloom- called “Nature Centered”... we visit Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids Michigan… and talk about their Nature Centered Mission…  We make a Flower Cocktail that includes Maple Syrup…We visit with my Friend Lori Lomoro- and Blandford’s Animal Ambassador- Sylvia the Opossum (My Favorite Animal) I make a Butterfly Inspired Arrangement and visit with my Friends Zoe, Doc and Millie- and their Mom Laura- that raise Monarch Butterflies- it’s all about Nature- today on Behind the Bloom with RJ and Me!

Episode #311...

What is Life in Bloom - How it works- and what it does... 

Well- it’s been a entire YEAR of Weekly Podcasts- with RJ and Me… We’ve successfully created Behind the Bloom Podcast- FOR YOU- all about Flowers- and we’re ready to start our 2nd Year…  We’ve managed to get through almost 3 seasons- had amazing guests, and other stand alone Flower Themed Show… and today we’re celebrating… and we’ll revisit how this started and also- Talk more about the LIFE IN BLOOM Series- that was the impetus for this Wonderful Podcast… let’s get started!
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Water is the Most Essential Ingredient when it comes to Flowers- Without Water Flowers die… it’s that simple… today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #310- Water Nature’s Life Force… We’ll talk about how to prepare your water for flowers- and some great tricks for making flowers last longer- I arrange flowers underwater-we visit a Southern California Farm- that uses water VERY Efficiently and Effectively - I share my favorite trick for flowers on the go… Floating Flowers, and even a recipe for flower ice cubes! It’s all up next on Behind the Bloom w...

On Behind the Bloom Podcast - RJ and I are talking about one of my Favorite Flowers - the Chrysanthemum - and a legacy in my Flower Family! I make an arrangement inspired by a Painting my Great Grandfather commissioned for my Great Grandmother… We visit one of Favorite Flower Friends- Rene Van Wingerden- and see how he grows Chrysanthemums in California… I make Mum Emojis - a Chrysanthemum Cocktail- and show how to change up the colors of Mums with Paint! All up this week on Behind the Bloom with RJ and me!

Episode #309- Mums The...

Have you ever wondered why some fresh flowers last for weeks while others wilt after just a few days? The answer often comes down to one critical process: the flower cold chain.

On this episode of Behind the Bloom, J Schwanke and RJ Pole explore the science and history behind the cold chain for fresh flowers—the temperature-controlled journey that keeps flowers fresh from the farm to your home. While professional florists rely on the cold chain every day, most consumers have never heard of it, despite its huge impact on fl...

This Podcast is a Companion to Episode #308- Coffee, Tea or Flowers? It’s one of my favorite episodes- for many reasons…  I Love COFFEE - and I also a cup of Tea Everyday… and you already know how I feel about flowers…  I use vintage coffee carafes- for Flowers Vases… I create a Blooming Tea- and we get to learn the history behind one of my cherished collections - Franciscan Starburst Dinnerware- and get to meet the Woman behind this amazing pattern! I’ll share the secret of a vase inside a vase- and we’ll head to Colombia South A...

Every Year the Create TV Network honors- J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom with a Marathon or two…  and it’s always a pleasure to work with them- to pick the episodes that will be included- and even offer up ideas for a Theme- This Summer’s Marathon on Create TV- is dedicated to what Create TV is all about… Creating things that bring us Joy- with FLOWERS of Course… Today RJ and I will be talking about the CREATE TV Marathon scheduled for July 31- August 1 and 2- let’s start Creating Magic with Flowers!
 
Create TV- J Schwanke’s...

Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #307… Flowers for Celebrating Life. I’ll share my Flower History with Memorial Day in Nebraska - and we’ll visit my hometown - and Arrange Flowers with my Marine Corps Dad for Veteran’s Day… I’ll create a tribute to the guy who taught me tie my shoes… and we’ll learn more about Celebrating Life- with Flowers…of course… it’s all up Next on Behind the Bloom with RJ and Me!

Episode #307- Flowers for Celebrating Life
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The Bent Wreath...

Today on Behind the Bloom- RJ and I will talking about the Color Purple- and the Passion I have for this color… we’ll Talk to an Italian Violet Grower- Make a Violet Martini- Visit a Clematis Grower in Florida… and arrange Climatis as a cut flower… and even talk about Passion Flowers… Let’s develop a Passion for Purple- today on Behind the Bloom with this companion to Episode #306- Purple Passion

Episode #306- Purple Passion
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Original CA Grown Experience with Don Garabaldi
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This Behind the Bloom Episode- is all about Lilies… and is a companion to Episode #305 of Life in Bloom- RJ and I talk about my Grandma Lil… and you’ll learn how to spread an entire bunch of Lilies- all over the house… we’ll talk to my Friend Benno about Growing Lilies… Plant Lily bulbs in the Garden, Make a Lily Topiary- and create an Edible treat- with Day Lilies from the garden… it’s all up today on Behind the Bloom!

Episode #305- Lilies in Bloom
https://watch.ubloom.com/life-in-bloo...

Earthwise Seed Company

Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- we’re taking a look at Plants and Flowers for a Happy Home- with this companion to Episode #304 of Life in Bloom. We’ll talk about the best Plants for making your home happy and healthier… plus tips and tricks for caring for your house plants… we’ll make a tillandsia terrarium… and create a glass table top garden… and I’ll show you how to weave a palm leaf into a nautilus shell shape… let’s get Happy with Plants and flowers today on Behind the Bloom!

Episode #304- Plants and Flowers for a Ha...

Teaser: Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- we’re all ABUZZ about Pollinators with our Companion to Episode #303- Pollinators in Bloom… We go Inside the Flowers to see how they work- and why pollinators benefit them… We Visit a Professional Beekeeper (and try not to act like bears)... and I share three fun projects that help support Pollinators in the garden… Let’s get buzzing- with Pollinators and Flowers with RJ and me today on Behind the Bloom.

Episode #303 - Pollinators in Bloom- J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
https://watch.ubloom.com/life-in-bloo...

North Am...

Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #302- Hearts and Flowers- I’ll talk about Making a Heart out of Flowers-both Big and Small- I’ll  Decorate Heart Shaped Ivy Topiaries - Mix up  a Wild Heart Cocktail- and share some fun decorating ideas that includes hearts and flowers… and Ms Margo is on hand- sharing her Hand-made Soaps that provide the health and wellness benefits of Flowers… it’s all about hearts- and Flowers of Course… you’re gonna love it…

Episode #302 - Hearts and Flowers
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Oasis Flowe...

Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast we’re getting started with Season 3 with this companion to Episode #301 - Fields of Flowers. We’ll tour the Famous Carlsbad Flower Fields with my Friend Michelle Castellano Keeler. We’ll make a Flower Cocktail and Flatbread that embodies Fields of Flowers… I make a Flower Bouquet out of Vintage Flower Jewelry, upcycle a vintage Silver Basket from my Friend Jan, and even share the best flowers to plant in a cutting garden - today on Behind the Bloom with RJ and me!

Episode #301 Fields of Flowers - On uBloom
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Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- RJ and I have a Very Special Guest- Ms Margo- the Bonereader.  Ms Margo is one of our most popular Life in Bloom Guests- and she’s guested on my series many times… sharing her bonereader talents- with me… our crew- and especially our pets… RJ’s wife Amanda is a huge fan of Ms Margo too… So as an extra added treat… Amanda will be joining us as well… I Love Ms Margo… and I’m sure you will too…we’ll be sure to let you know how you can get in contact with her too...

Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- RJ and I will be talking about ways you incorporate Vegetables into your Flower Arrangements… We’ll visit my friends at Full Hollow Farm- and learn more about Community Supported Agriculture. I’ll make an arrangement down on their fam- with Vegetables and Flowers together… We’ll make Cauliflower Popcorn, and Create a Capresé Martini- and use Bell Peppers as Flower Vases… I’ll share the secret of concealing a vase with Asparagus… all coming up on Behind the Bloom Podcast with me and RJ!

Episode #213 - Flowers and Vegetables- On uBloom
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Do you love wearing flowers as much as I do… Wearing Flowers makes us feel special- and it can tell others that we are celebrating - and enjoying a life in bloom. Today on Behind the Bloom RJ and I will be talking about Boutonnieres, Miniature Flower Vessels you can wear, I’ll show you how to make a Foliage Crown too. I’ll share recipes for Edible Pansy Hors de ouvres and a Violette Aviation Cocktail… and introduce you to my Friend Angela Cunningham- and some unique and exciting flowers to wear…  it’s all coming up on today’s Behin...

I’m literally crazy about Color- and Flowers are truly Nature’s Rainbow… so today on Behind the Bloom Podcast with RJ and myself- it’s the Companion Podcast to Episode 211 of Life in Bloom. I’ll explain how our favorite colors tell us more about ourselves… I share how you can influence  emotions with different color combinations… We’ll make Colorful Hummus in different flavors, I’ll make some Rainbow Shots… and share the studies that prove that Yellow Flowers can make us get well SOONER… and we’ll talk about the Incredible Rainbow Rose… it’s a COLORFUL Flower Podcast today...

Today on Behind the Bloom Podcast- Everything is Truly Coming up Roses… with our Companion Podcast to Life in Bloom Episode 210. Today RJ and I will discuss all the goings on-from this Episode all about Roses… Including a Visit to the World’s Largest Garden Rose Farm in Bogota Colombia… We’ll talk about creating rose arrangements for everyday- Visit the Tournament of Roses Parade, Create a Rose Inspired Cocktail with my Friend Kristen and even plant a Julia Child Rose in the front yard! Everything is coming up roses- on Behind the Bloom today!

Episode #210 - Everything...

Today’s Podcast is a companion to Episode #209 - Pets and Flowers - It features the First Appearance of my Friend Ms Margo- the Native American Bonereader- Ms Margo gives a bonereading to Ellie and Ladybird… I show how to make a Puppy out of Flowers, I whip up Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats and a Classic Greyhound Cocktail! My Niece Grace and I talk about Plants that are suitable Cats- You’ll meet my Great Niece Flossy… the Kitty and I’ll make two
Fun Crafts- with Eleanor and Ladybird - today on Behind the Bloom!

Episod...

Today’s Podcast is a companion to Episode #208 of Life in Bloom - All about Lavender… and it includes baby Goats! I’ll introduce you to my Friend Kathy Kuipers from Leche’ and Lavender- we’ll learn to milk a goat- and make goat’s milk soap with Lavender… a Lavender Cheesecake, and Lavender Lemon Collins are on the menu… and I’ll share a Traditional French craft- making a Lavender Bottle Sachet… It’s all about Lavender today on Behind the Bloom!

Episode #208- All About Lavender - J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
https://watch.ubloom.com/life-in...

Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode 207 - Thinking Outside the Vase. I share many ideas on where to find unique containers for your Cut Flower Arrangement Creations. We’ll make Dirt Cake, create a Stencil Flower Craft, and you’ll meet my Good Luck Charm- Jenn Pascua! Let’s Think outside the Vase today on Behind the Bloom with J and RJ Pole!

Episode #207- Thinking outside the Vase- J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
https://watch.ubloom.com/life-in-bloo...

Allehan Antique Market- https://alleganantiques.com/

Buy J’s Book...

Today on Behind the Bloom, we’re diving into the beautiful world of orchids! 🌿 RJ shares highlights from his recent visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show, one of the most stunning floral events of the year. Then, J takes us into the rich history of Cattleya orchids and their special place in his family’s floral legacy.

Orchid Arrangement - with Orchids Stems and rocks
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Chicago Botanic Garden
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/

Chicago Botanic Garden- Orchid...

Today’s Behind the Bloom Podcast is a companion to Episode #206 – The Garden Contained! 🌿🌸 We visit Jonker’s Garden in Holland, Michigan, where we chat with Dirk Jonker about plants, gardening tips, and creating beautiful container gardens. This episode features flower arranging with fresh garden blooms, a fun visit with Dr. Adam, and a refreshing pineapple basil cocktail. Plus, we share DIY garden crafts and simple tips to design stunning container gardens at home. If you love gardening, floral design, and creative DIY projects...