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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Pruning Peonies For Better Blooms & Healthier Plants: A Complete How-To Guide
Pruning peonies is easy, and they often require no pruning at all. So how do you know when to trim peonies? Read this article to find out more about when and how to prune a peony.
By Laura Walters
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When To Plant Lavender For Happier And Healthier Plants Guaranteed!
You may be surprised to learn that the best times to plant lavender seeds are the cooler months. Knowing when to plant lavender correctly gives these fragrant herbs the best start, as this guide explains
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Grow Beautiful Asters in Your Garden
Sweet, old-fashioned aster flowers will fill your garden spaces with color in late summer and fall, and their small daisy-like flowers are a perfect addition for beauty and pollinators.
By Becca Badgett
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How To Make Calla Lily Flower Bloom and Last Longer
How to make a calla lily bloom is a question we often hear. Graceful calla lily flowers are easy to grow, when their special demands are met.
By Heather Rhoades
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Try These Hummingbird Vines: 8 Best Flowering Vines For Hummingbirds
Want to improve your chances of attracting some of the world’s most charming avian visitors? Here are the best eight flowering vines for hummingbirds
By Tonya Barnett
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Portulaca: Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide
Grow a beautiful portulaca for a lovely, multi-colored cascade of summer flowers. Easy to grow and not at all fussy.
By Stan V. Griep
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Sweet Alyssum: Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide
Delicate and pretty sweet alyssum flowers are perfect in borders and pollinator gardens. They love sunlight, but not extreme heat.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Grow Hollyhocks: Expert Tips For Summer Stunners
Learn how to grow hollyhocks for an old-fashioned, beautiful bright spot in your garden. Pollinators will thank you.
By Heather Rhoades
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Modern Houseplants That Elevate Any Contemporary Home
Try these 6 houseplants to pair with your modern style home.
By Tonya Barnett
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Watering Daisies: How Often To Water Your Sun Loving Blooms
While it might seem straightforward, there is a knack to watering daisies correctly. We show you how to give your shastas, marguerites and gerberas the best hydration
By Tonya Barnett
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Bugs On Hibiscus and How To Identify & Control Common Pests
Hibiscus pests can be concerning when they invade your lovely tropical plant, but there are ways to deal with them.
By Mary H. Dyer
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How And When To Cut Back Daylilies: Daylily Trimming Made Simple
Daylily trimming after bloom time will keep these beauties tidy and disease-free. Trim the plants back after they bloom and before you divide them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Peonies For Pots: Growing Peonies In A Container
If you don’t have a lot of garden space, consider growing peonies in a container. Potted peonies are just as beautiful as garden peonies and are easy to grow.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Best Moody Maroon Flowers: 8 Burgundy Blooms For A Moody Garden
Growing maroon flowers may not be for the faint of heart, but it is a glorious way to add drama and impact – as well as lure pollinators to your plot. So why not go dark with these eight blooms?
By Tonya Barnett
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Soilless Potting Mix: What Is It And How To Make Your Own
Many different types of plants thrive in a soilless potting mix. You can find a variety of soilless medium mixes at your garden center, or go ahead and try mixing some up yourself.
By Nikki Tilley
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5 Marsh Marigold Lookalikes – And Which Cause The Most Harm
Marsh marigolds have several lookalikes, and some of these lovely fast-growing plants can be harmful and invasive. It’s good to know the difference.
By Tonya Barnett
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Easiest Ways To Propagate Jasmine: Simple How-To Guide
With a wide variety of types to choose from, who wouldn’t want to propagate jasmine plants? Whether they’re the heavenly fragrant variety or just beautiful climbers, learn the best ways to grow more of them.
By Anne Baley
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How To Transplant Roses: Expert Guide To Moving Your Rose Bush
When it's time to transplant roses, it’s important to know when to dig them up, the best ways to handle them and how to replant them in a new garden space or pot. Your beautiful roses will thank you.
By Nikki Tilley