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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Haganta Plum Care – Growing Haganta Plums In The Landscape
Urban dwellers are looking for ways to add homegrown fruits and vegetables to their landscape. The vibrant colors of fruit trees are an excellent way to accomplish this task, and those such ‘Haganta’ plums, offer both beauty and taste. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Blue Tit Plum Info – How To Grow A Blue Tit Plum Tree
Variations among plum trees may make the process of choosing one an extremely difficult task. Luckily, growers are often able to find fruit trees that are well-suited and thrive in their garden’s unique microclimate. One such tree is the ‘Blue Tit’ plum. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Pecan Nematospora – Tips For Treating Pecan Kernel Discoloration
One of the most common factors of poor nut production in pecan trees is the result of stressed trees. Events like cold temps, high humidity, and even drought are all responsible for the potential loss of pecan harvests. Pecan nematospora is another issue. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Vermicompost Worm Amount: How Many Composting Worms Do I Need
Vermicomposting is quite simple, still many gardeners wonder, ‘How many composting worms do I need?” This article can help with that.
By Tonya Barnett
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Measuring Soil Moisture – What Is Time Domain Reflectometry
One of the key components to growing healthy, abundant crops is properly managing and measuring soil moisture content in fields. By using time domain reflectometry tools, farmers are able to precisely measure water content within their soil. Learn more in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
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Gardening RDA: How Much Time In The Garden Should You Spend
Most gardeners would agree that the process of growing a garden can positively influence both mental and physical health. But just how much time in the garden must one spend to reap these benefits? Click here to learn more about our gardening recommended daily allowance.
By Tonya Barnett
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Illegal Plant Trade Info – How Does Poaching Affect Plants
When it comes to the word “poaching,” most people immediately think of the illegal taking of large, endangered animals. But what if I told you that poaching extends far beyond endangered wildlife? Plant poaching is real too. Learn more about it here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Christmas Thriller Filler Spiller: How To Plant A Holiday Container
Winter planter ideas, like holiday thriller-filler-spiller displays, are fun ways to make the home look festive and cheerful. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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What Is A French Drain? Information On Installing French Drains In Landscapes
With careful planning, there are ways to divert water away from yards and homes. One common method is through the installation of a French drain – but what is a French drain? Click on the following article for information on building a French drain.
By Tonya Barnett
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Gladiolus Leaf Diseases: What Causes Leaf Spots On Gladiolus Plants
When kept healthy and disease free, gladiolus plants will return year after year. Issues like gladiolus leaf spot, however, may cause decline of your plants. Becoming familiar with the signs of gladiolus leaf diseases is important in preventing spread. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Ice Suncatcher Ideas – Making Frozen Suncatcher Ornaments
Creating DIY frozen suncatcher ornaments is a great way to spend time outdoors with the entire family. Click this article for details.
By Tonya Barnett
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Possumhaw Viburnum Plant Care: Growing Possumhaw Viburnum Shrubs
Possumhaw viburnum shrubs are especially at home in a carefree natural planting. To learn more about this shrub, click here.
By Tonya Barnett
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A Sign That Spring Has Arrived
The lovely fragrance of Geranium daffodils is one that, for me, signals the beginning of spring. Keep reading for more.
By Tonya Barnett
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Tools For Planting Bulbs - What Is A Bulb Planter Used For
Garden chores can be extremely strenuous, and planting flowering bulbs is no exception. Read on to learn about the tools that can help.
By Tonya Barnett
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Toddler Size Garden Tools - Choosing Garden Tools For Toddlers
The advantages of involving toddlers in the garden are numerous. Learning more about the very special needs of this unique demographic of future growers can help to ensure that time spent outdoors is valuable, enjoyable, and safe.
By Tonya Barnett
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Gardening Tools And Arthritis - Garden Tools For Arthritic Hands
Joint pain caused by arthritis can affect anyone, including gardeners. Fortunately, there are several arthritis-friendly gardening tools now available to make things easier.
By Tonya Barnett
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Keeping Bugs Out Of Sandboxes – How To Kill Sandbox Bugs
Among the most common problems found in sandboxes are insects. Keep reading to learn how to keep bugs out of sandboxes.
By Tonya Barnett
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Garden Trowel Types - Are There Different Kinds Of Trowel
Becoming better familiar with tools is a way for novice growers to begin working smarter, not harder. Learning about the different kinds of trowels used in the garden is a good place to start.
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Dry Roses - Ways To Preserve Dried Roses
Symbolic of love and caring, it is understandable that many want to preserve roses as a treasured keepsake.
By Tonya Barnett
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What Is A Tuscan Sun Rose – Tips On Tuscan Sun Rose Bush Care
Choosing strong, robust varieties of roses is crucial to the success of rose plantings. Learn about one good option: the Tuscan Sun rose.
By Tonya Barnett
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Rose Topiary Tree: How To Prune A Rose Topiary
Learning more about making a rose topiary can help rose lovers to decide if this garden project is right for them.
By Tonya Barnett
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Brown Spots On Knockout Rose Bush: Reasons For Knockout Roses Turning Brown
The knockout rose is quite beautiful, but knockouts with brown leaves can be concerning. Learn the reasons for this here.
By Tonya Barnett