
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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Attract More Monarchs: 8 Best Flowers For Monarch ButterfliesCreating a floral haven for pollinators is one of life’s joys – and monarchs are some of the most precious. Here are the best flowers for monarch butterflies
By Tonya Barnett
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9 Bird-Friendly Flowering Plants: Flowers That Attract Birds Through The SeasonsChoose the right flowering plants and your garden will become a favorite hangout for avian visitors. Try these nine flowers that attract birds to your yard
By Tonya Barnett
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Rose Leaves Turning Yellow? Here’s Why & How To Fix ItRose leaves turning yellow is not uncommon. Improper watering, insects, and diseases are often the cause, but proper rose care is easy to learn.
By Stan V. Griep
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Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow: Common Causes & FixesIf you’re concerned about your hibiscus leaves turning yellow, there are some easy ways to diagnose what’s going wrong, and simple methods to fix it.
By Nikki Tilley
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Identify Common Flower Pests And Diseases To Keep Your Plants ProtectedAre you worried about wilting blooms, nibbled leaves or sickly florals? Here’s how to spot common flower pests and diseases so you can tackle and prevent problems
By Tonya Barnett
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Pruning Peonies For Better Blooms & Healthier Plants: A Complete How-To GuidePruning 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 GardenSweet, 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 LongerHow 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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Portulaca: Complete Plant Care And Growing GuideGrow 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 GuideDelicate 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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Modern Houseplants That Elevate Any Contemporary HomeTry these 6 houseplants to pair with your modern style home.
By Tonya Barnett
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Why Are There Ants On My Peonies? Uncovering The Truth Behind This Perennial MysteryGardeners love peonies and so do ants. But what do ants on peonies mean? We uncover the truth behind the perennial myth that peonies need ants to bloom.
By Tonya Barnett
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Watering Daisies: How Often To Water Your Sun Loving BloomsWhile 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 PestsHibiscus 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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Best Moody Maroon Flowers: 8 Burgundy Blooms For A Moody GardenGrowing 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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5 Marsh Marigold Lookalikes – And Which Cause The Most HarmMarsh 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 GuideWith 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

