Celebrating 100 Episodes of Flowers with J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
May 5, 2026 | 5 min to read
Grand Rapids, MI – “I am truly excited to celebrate 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. The show 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 100th show will premiere on local public television stations nationwide throughout the month of May and beyond (check local listings for dates and times). Free streaming access is already available with PBS Passport and through the free PBS App – for all devices including smart TV’s – along with every show to date, ever produced.
“This special show includes messages from viewers relating how Flowers – and the series – have impacted them positively over eight seasons, since 2019.” says J. “We started out with the humble intention of reminding viewers that Flowers are scientifically proven to improve mood, relieve stress, etc. – as well as suggesting ways to enjoy Flowers – with a Lifestyle show centered around Flowers.”
“What we did not expect was to learn how intensely Flowers have assisted viewers through very emotional and difficult times in their lives. I am amazed how open so many viewers have been with personal stories of how Flowers have made a difference.” related J. “From caretakers who found Flowers brighten small spaces, to spouses dealing with long goodbyes that were uplifted by Flowers, to one individual who found that Flowers and the show helped him get past the worst days of addition recovery – I am just blown away by the good that Flowers do, and so grateful to have had the chance to amplify Flowers to the public in a way that has never been done, until the show’s debut.”
“One a lighter note, I also thrill to photos viewers share with me on a daily basis – Flower arrangements they have created, inspired by the show,” says J. “It’s so fun to see what they create and also how their skills progress – as many share their achievements on a regular basis!”
The 100th episode also underscores some of J’s favorite moments over the years, recalling visits to Flower Farms, near and far. Plus, an endearing review of 100 Flower Crowns gifted to guests of the show in most episodes. “Flower Crowns are a signature of the show, and they never fail to light up the faces of those who receive them – just the happiest expressions!” said J.
“We also held a small reception to celebrate the milestone, inviting guests from past shows – I was so touched that so many were eager to join us that day,” J recalled. “Viewers can enjoy the celebration as part of the show, on location at 623 Venue & Events, along with an amazing cake from Nantucket Baking Company in Grand Rapids – all of which was generously furnished by owner Kameel Chamelly, who is featured in episode 612, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” – exemplifying heartfelt kindness yet again, for our public television education Flower show. I can’t thank him enough.”
“I am also pleased to spotlight our essential production partners, Chris Randall (Director, Editor & more) and Keith Golinski (Director of Photography, Sound, Color & more) of Fulvew Productions, who have been along for the ride, with additional crew rotating in and out, to get the job done,” notes J. “That ‘job’ is the sharing of Flowers and the good they do, of course.”
“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”
“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, and the way in which Flowers communicate beyond words.”
“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 100th episode and the new season.”
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 the show’s online home, www.uBloom.com.
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, in 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