Tonya Barnett
Having grown up in a densely-populated urban area, Tonya Barnett’s first growing season proved to be one which was filled with calamity. Despite several setbacks and a complete lack of experience, her new-found love of gardening quickly flourished. Soon, her small backyard had transformed into a lush, outdoor oasis.
Though her formative growing years focused mostly on self-sufficiency and the production of a thriving vegetable garden, an increased interest in ornamental plants would lead to the collection of both common and rare species for the landscape. Today, Tonya maintains most of her focus on the seasonal establishment of a large, backyard cutting garden.
The cut flower space serves as a donation garden; where arranged flowers and bouquets are gifted to hospitals, nursing homes, and other non-profit organizations. Tonya’s continued garden journey is documented on her YouTube channel, @TONYAwiththeflowers. To date, she has produced over five hundred videos, which chronicle the evolution of her small growing space.
Tonya also manages a personal garden blog, and is responsible for the publication of several gardening ebooks related to cut flower production. In addition to the content produced for Gardening Know How, Tonya has contributed her growing tips to the Martha Stewart blog, as well as several local publications.
Plant breeding and hybridization are among Tonya’s favorite garden topics. In recent years, she has taken special interest in the selection of new ornamental plants, which have been grown from seed. Though many of these new crosses will require patience, and may not begin to bloom for several years,the results are often well worth the wait.
Latest articles by Tonya Barnett
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What Is Indirect Light? Grow Plants In Partial Or Filtered Light
Gardeners are often confused about what indirect light and indirect sunlight mean when situating a plant. A little filtering makes all the difference.
By Tonya Barnett
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Hosta Watering Guide: Tips On Watering A Hosta Plant
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Plant Bare Root Roses Like A Pro: Simple Steps For Lasting Beauty
Master the art of planting bare root roses with simple expert tips – then sit back and wait for the most glorious blooms imaginable.
By Tonya Barnett
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Warm Up Your Winter With Indoor Reds! 8 Red Amaryllis Varieties For Sizzling Seasonal Interest
Well loved as a bold decorative holiday bloomer, the red amaryllis is a hot favorite for winter displays. These red amaryllis varieties are guaranteed to fire up the season
By Tonya Barnett
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Attract More Pollinators: 8 Best Nectar-Producing Plants For Honey Bees And Other Pollinators
Want to know the core plants you can grow to add beauty while helping beneficial garden friends? Discover the best nectar-producing plants for honey bees and other pollinators
By Tonya Barnett
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Poinsettia Pinks: 7 Pink Poinsettias To Grow For Neon Hot Tones And Cool Pretty Pastels
While the traditional red poinsettia is a staple of many homes over the holiday period, they are not your only option. For cheerful brights or pastels, why not grow pink poinsettias?
By Tonya Barnett
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Hibiscus Propagation Made Simple: How To Make More Hibiscus For Free
Learning about hibiscus propagation can help you grow even more of these lovely plants. Before buying another one, you may want to try one of these techniques.
By Heather Rhoades
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Up Your Amaryllis Game! 6 Of The Best Giant Amaryllis Varieties
For a dramatic holiday flower, consider a giant amaryllis. They're easy to grow and, the bigger the bulb, the more magnificent flowers it will produce.
By Tonya Barnett
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Growing Morning Glories: Grow And Care For Morning Glory Flowers
Growing morning glories couldn’t be easier. In bloom they’re lovely, but be sure to learn about their spreading habits before you choose their new home.
By Nikki Tilley
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Which Indoor Begonia Plants Are Best? 8 Of The Ultimate Begonia Houseplant Varieties
If you just can’t get enough of them, try growing some indoor begonia plants. Many stunning varieties do well indoors and make lovely houseplants.
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Grow Winter Heath For Cold Weather Color
Grow winter heath plants for year-round mounding beauty that’s easy-care and rewarding. Evergreen and cold-hardy, they come in shades of pink, purple and white.
By Tonya Barnett
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Want Blue Ornamental Onions That Look Unreal? Try These True Blue Allium Plants
Ornamental alliums create majestic displays in gorgeous hues from violet to bright white – but if you fancy something otherworldly, try one of these blue allium plants
By Tonya Barnett
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Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year Round
After reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
By Tonya Barnett
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Christmas Cactus Buds Falling Off: 8 Reasons For Bud Drop And How To Fix It
Nothing frustrates growers more than bud drop. But a few simple changes will have you on your way to a fully blooming Christmas cactus in time for the holidays.
By Tonya Barnett
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Growing Spotted Bee Balm: Find Out How To Grow Horsemint For Your Pollinator Garden
For anyone looking to cultivate native flowering plants that attract pollinators, spotted bee balm is a must! We show you how to grow horsemint for friendly garden visitors
By Tonya Barnett
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Try These 7 Small Flower Bed Ideas For Big Blooms In Compact Corners
Looking for easy wins in your flower beds in the year ahead? Make room for these gorgeous small flower bed ideas – and you’ll see big results in the smallest spaces
By Tonya Barnett
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Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!
It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
By Tonya Barnett
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Christmas Cactus Soil Guide: Choose The Best Potting Mix To Help Your Schlumbergera Thrive
The perfect Christmas cactus soil mix will keep this festive favorite thriving. Learn how to create a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting medium.
By Tonya Barnett