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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Wintering Begonias: Overwintering A Begonia In Cold Climates
Begonias love warm weather, but it's possible to keep them alive through winter if you do it right.
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Harvest Sunflower Seeds To Eat Or Grow In Next Year's Garden
When your sunflowers fade, make sure you get the most out of the seeds. There are several ways to harvest sunflower seeds - let's discuss.
By Jackie Rhoades
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Growing Jasmine Plant: Information For Growing And Care Of A Jasmine Vine
The heady fragrance of flowering jasmine in your garden only requires knowing how to plant and care for it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Tips On Growing And Caring For Salvia Plants
Salvias are easy-going plants that produce gorgeous stalks of flowers. Let our flower expert teach you how to start growing.
By Tonya Barnett
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Hibiscus Winter Care
Overwintering hibiscus in zones that aren’t tropical is possible with care for its particular winter needs.
By Heather Rhoades
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The Best Way To Cut Flowers For Long-Lasting Arrangements
Learn the best way to cut flowers for bouquets from our resident cut flower expert.
By Tonya Barnett
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Tips For Companion Planting Nasturtiums
Try planting nasturtium among your vegetables as a companion to deter pests and enhance their mutual growth. Learn how.
By Tonya Barnett
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Best Late Summer Blooming Flowers
Click here for an outline of some favorite fall annuals and late summer blooming perennials.
By Tonya Barnett
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Zinnia Water Requirements: How Much Water Do Zinnias Need?
If you love easy to grow zinnias, learn the best practices for keeping them properly watered and healthy. Click for more.
By Tonya Barnett
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Will Expired Seeds Still Grow: Planting With Expired Seed Packets
Are old seeds still good for planting, or is it better to get new ones? We ran the test ourselves - click to see the results.
By Tonya Barnett
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Growing Wildflower Bulbs – Wildflowers That Come From Bulbs
A wildflower patch can enhance the surrounding ecosystem. But did you know you can include wildflowers from bulbs too? Learn about them here.
By Tonya Barnett
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White Hydrangea Flowers: Learn About White Hydrangea Bushes
Hydrangea bushes are a long-time favorite. White hydrangea varieties can create a fresh new look in the garden. Learn about them here.
By Tonya Barnett
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What Do Robins Eat: How To Attract Robins To Your Yard Or Garden
Watching birds is an enjoyable hobby for many homeowners. As with any endeavor, there are a few tips and tricks that can help to determine how many and which types will visit your backyard. Among the most common are American robins. Learn more in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
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Dianthus Plants: How To Grow Dianthus
Dianthus can refer to several different plants, but often it's those spiky mounds of small colorful flowers. Click here to learn more.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Microbes In The Soil – How Do Soil Microbes Affect Nutrients
Learning more about the role of microbes in the soil is just one way to increase the overall health of the garden. But, can plants benefit from soil microbes? Learn more about soil microbes and nutrients in this article. Click here for more information.
By Tonya Barnett
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PeeGee Hydrangeas – Care Of PeeGee Hydrangea Plants
Learning about PeeGee hydrangea care will help homeowners decide whether growing this shrub in their yard is doable. Click here for more info.
By Tonya Barnett
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8 Unique Roses To Grow For A One Of A Kind Garden
If you’re a lover of roses, here are 8 unusual varieties to consider adding to your collection.
By Tonya Barnett
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Where To Plant Asters So They’ll Thrive For Years
What is the best place to plant asters for years of blooms? Click here and find out just where to plant asters.
By Tonya Barnett