The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD®) presented one of their highest honors to laureate member J Schwanke, creator of the public television show J Schwanke's Life in Bloom, at their National Symposium in Orlando on July 3, 2024. The AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry is presented to AIFD Members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry.
AIFD National President, Laurie Lemek, presented the award to Schwanke during the AIFD Annual Awards Banquet. The two longtime friends were both inducted into AIFD in 1991. Mr. Schwanke was unable to attend the event, however accepted the award in his acceptance speech via video which can be seen at https://watch.ubloom.com/videos/2024-aifd-distinguished-service-to-the-floral-industry-recipient-j-schwanke
Schwanke states, "I'm thankful and honored to be recognized by AIFD and the Flower Industry by this award. Flowers have always been my passion, and I love sharing the health and wellness benefits, and pleasure that flowers provide everyone. I'm very grateful that myself, and my TV show about flowers, are being recognized for Flower Education Outreach by AIFD, with this award!"
Recognition for Distinguished Service via J Schwanke's Life in Bloom
Mr. Schwanke's show, J Schwanke's Life in Bloom, is a public education television series that communicates the health and wellness benefits of flowers. It is beloved by fans not only for the beauty of flowers but also its calming and relaxing nature. The flower lifestyle show focuses on cut flowers and including them in projects, crafts, flower arranging, and even recipes and beverages. Visits to flower farms and events are also included, as well as a featured flower in each episode.
The show is produced by the Life in Bloom Foundation, a non-profit, established by Schwanke, and is distributed free of charge to all public television stations and networks, via this foundation.
"I would be remiss not to mention my gratitude to the show's fans – and underwriters, who make it possible," said Schwanke, "Season 6 of J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is underwritten by CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, and Passion Roses. Closed caption funding is provided by Holland American Flowers. Additional production assistance is provided through donations by individuals through the Life in Bloom Foundation, Inc. – donations are tax deductible and can be made at www.thelifeinbloomfoundation.org or through the uBloom website."
J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is currently premiering Season 6 in over 415 markets across the USA. In total, 81 episodes are in broadcast rotation nationally. The show debuted in April of 2019 and has been on the air – uninterrupted – ever since. Season 7 is currently in production for release in April 2025.
J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is presented by American Public Television and attracts millions of viewers from all walks of life. The series can be seen on local PBS stations in all 50 states, and on PBS, PBS Passport, Create TV, as well as Schwanke's website, uBloom.com. The Create TV Network has scheduled a 'Flower Power' Marathon of the series for July 12, 13, and 14, airing on its national schedule.
A Member of American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) for 33 Years
Schwanke was accepted into AIFD in 1991. The mission of AIFD® is to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form. Recipients of The AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry must be a member of AIFD in good standing, served AIFD on a national or regional level, played an active role in allied or trade organizations, been a leader in industry education, research and product development, and promotes the flower industry and AIFD at the industry and consumer level. Schwanke is a laureate member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and served in Leadership for 13 years – including Membership Committee, National Board of Directors, Chairman of Flower Industry Partners, and Awards Committee. He has presented Education programs nationally at Previous Symposia, and in all 50 States in the USA, and other countries.
Source: uBloom.com