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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The Benefits Of Live Trees
Many face the dilemma of Christmas tree disposal after the holidays. But with my current traditions, I know exactly how my tree will end up.
By Tonya Barnett
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Harlequin Flower Care – Learn About Planting Sparaxis Bulbs
Harlequin flower bulbs can add vibrance and color to spaces with minimal special care. Click this article for more info on these plants.
By Tonya Barnett
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Post Harvest Cooling Guide – How To Cool Fruit Picked From The Garden
Post-harvest cooling of fruit is used both commercially and by home gardeners. Cooling fruit is important for harvest quality. Click here to learn more.
By Tonya Barnett
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Clematis Varieties: Choosing Different Clematis Vines
Planting different clematis vines is an easy way to add a vibrant pop of color that will last many growing seasons to come. Find some great choices here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Hanging Basket Design – Tips For Arranging A Hanging Basket
By learning to plant and maintain their own hanging baskets, even novice gardeners are rewarded with a profusion of blooms throughout the growing season. Click this article to learn about creating stunning hanging basket arrangements.
By Tonya Barnett
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Runoff Rain Gardening: Tips For Planting A Downspout Bog Garden
In regions that receive heavy rainfall, managing moisture in the garden and throughout their property can become difficult. One possibility, a downspout bog garden, is an excellent choice to add diversity and interest to the home landscape. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Using Cold Frames In Spring: How To Harden Off Seedlings In A Cold Frame
“Hardening off” plants before being moved to their final location not only improves the likelihood of survival but ensures a strong start to the growing season. Learn more about using a cold frame for seedlings to harden off in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
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What Are Green Burials – Learn About Earth-Friendly Burial Options
The passing of loved ones is never easy. Along with the loss, options for final arrangements can lbe overwhelming. Learn about earth-friendly burial options here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Green Magic Broccoli Variety: Growing Green Magic Broccoli Plants
Those living in warm weather areas will need to pay special attention to heat tolerance when selecting broccoli varieties to grow. ‘Green Magic’ is especially adapted for growth throughout a wide range of temperatures. Click this article for more info.
By Tonya Barnett
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Gravel Garden Ideas – Ways To Garden With Gravel In The Landscape
While attention grabbing boulders and water features is one idea for creating interest, implementing various types of gravel gardens is another excellent way to enhance your space. Click here for some easy gravel garden ideas you can try out yourself.
By Tonya Barnett
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What’s Wrong With My Ginseng – Learn About Ginseng Disease Control
Whether grown in containers at home or planted en masse as a means of income, ginseng is highly prized. It is easy to imagine that growers may become quite alarmed when faced with sick ginseng plants. Learn about common diseases in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
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Kettle River Giant Garlic: Tips For Growing Kettle River Garlic In The Garden
Many garlics are grown specifically for fresh eating, but the strong flavors other varieties make them more suited for use in garlic butters and seasoning of meats and pasta dishes. ‘Kettle River Giant,’ for example, is prized for its attributes in cooking. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Early Golden Acre Cabbage Variety: How To Grow Golden Acre Cabbage
Ranging in size, texture, and color, different open pollinated varieties of cabbage allow growers to choose the plants which best suit their garden and their growing zone. ‘Golden Acre’ is prized for its compact size and early maturity in the garden. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Ginseng Winter Care – What To Do With Ginseng Plants In Winter
Many people are able to produce adequate crops of ginseng root in a wide range of climatic conditions. With special consideration and the establishment of seasonal care routines, growers can maintain healthy ginseng plants for years to come. Learn about winter care here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Formal Raised Bed Flower Garden Design Ideas
Planning for a raised bed full of flowers takes some forethought and know how. Read on to learn about creating a formal raised bed.
By Tonya Barnett
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Drought-Tolerant Grapes – How To Grow Grapes In High Heat
It is important to take the irrigation needs of grapevines into consideration before planting. The impact of high heat and drought is also a factor in choosing which grape cultivars to grow. Learn more about grapes that can tolerate heat and drought-like conditions here.
By Tonya Barnett
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GVCV Information: What Is Grapevine Vein Clearing Virus
Although there are a plethora of options in terms of type, many of the same issues may afflict vines. Preventing and identifying specific causes of grapevine decline is the key to bountiful harvests of homegrown grapes. Click here for GVCV information.
By Tonya Barnett
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Hats For Gardeners – How To Choose The Best Gardening Hat
While working in the garden can be good for you, it is still important to consider risk factors associated with doing so. Among these, consistent and prolonged exposure to the sun should be taken into account. And that includes wearing a hat. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Growing Lantana Indoors For The Winter
Can I bring Lantana inside for the winter? Well, click here to find out.
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Identify And Treat Coreopsis Problems
Coreopsis is a bright addition to your flower garden but if it’s ailing, read on for tips.
By Tonya Barnett
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Atomic Gardening History: Learn About Irradiating Seeds
The concept of atomic gardening may sound as if it belongs in a science fiction novel, but gamma ray gardening is a real part of history. With radiation, and plants produced using it, we have improved varieties of fruits and vegetables available today. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
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Planting In Furrows: Are There Benefits To Furrow Gardening
While many homeowners choose to explore more intensive methods of producing vegetables, others may prefer more traditional growing techniques. Furrow gardening is a method that produces a beautiful garden, as well as high yields. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett