
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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Evergreen Wisteria: Non-Invasive Alternative To WisteriaIf you’re averse to the spreading habit of Chinese wisteria, you may want to consider an evergreen wisteria vine. It is beautiful, compact, and well-behaved.
By Tonya Barnett
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Why Choose Plugs For Plants? 3 Benefits Of Using Plug Plants For Beds, Baskets And EdiblesEver thought of growing plugs for plants and wondered whether it was worth it? We reveal the key reasons why they can help you with your growing ambitions this year
By Tonya Barnett
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Time For Teal: 7 Terrific Teal Plants To Grow In Your Home GardenIt’s an emerging color with a devoted following in fashion and interiors, but can you enjoy blue-greens in your garden? We round up the best teal plants you can grow
By Tonya Barnett
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Elevate Your Flower Power: 10 Best Flowers For Hanging BasketsWhether you’re after styling up a patio with a medley of color or practical ways to conceal a drab wall, here are some of the best flowers for hanging baskets…
By Tonya Barnett
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Snake Plant Getting Enough Light? Understanding Light Requirements And How To AdjustSnake plant light requirements aren’t as stringent as for some houseplants, but the right lighting is important for their growth and well-being.
By Tonya Barnett
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Grow Great Blue Lobelia: Native Blue Cardinal Flowers For Butterflies And HummingbirdsIf you’re keen to enhance your native plants or attract more pollinators, blue cardinal flowers are an essential flowering perennial. Here’s how to grow great blue lobelia
By Tonya Barnett
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Try These 8 Unique And Fancy Alocasia Plant Varieties For Jungle DramaFancy alocasia plants can dress up your garden or interior spaces with dramatic, large leaves of different colors and textures. Enjoy growing this unique plant.
By Tonya Barnett
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Best Romantic Old Garden Roses To Grow For A Dreamy DisplayDiscover abundantly blooming old-fashioned garden rose varieties that will be star performers in beds, borders, trellises, and containers.
By Tonya Barnett
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Pruning Climbing Roses: Pro Techniques For Maximum BloomsLearning how to prune climbing roses can seem daunting as the process is a little different than for other types. Master the art with our step-by-step guide.
By Stan V. Griep
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Crazy For ZZ Houseplants? Try Growing These 6 Unusual And Unique ZZ Plant VarietiesWidely acknowledged as some of the easiest houseplants to own, you may think ZZ plants are predictable – but these unique ZZ plant varieties reveal how dynamic they can be
By Tonya Barnett
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When To Prune Roses: The Best Timing For Every VarietyPrune your roses at the right time for stronger, healthier blooms! Learn when to cut back different varieties for the best results in every season.
By Tonya Barnett
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What Is Indirect Light? Grow Plants In Partial Or Filtered LightGardeners 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 PlantBy Tonya Barnett
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How To Plant Bare Root Roses Like A Pro: Simple Steps For Lasting BeautyMaster 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 InterestWell 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 PollinatorsWant 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 PastelsWhile 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 Plants For FreeLearning 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

