Ten Years of Farmer Bailey
Anniversary Farmer Feature: Stone Circle Flowers
By Felicia D'Ambrosio
Stone Circle Flowers was founded by Tonya Hackley, a Rhode Island native, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and lifelong gardener. After studying Horticulture at the University of Rhode Island and raising her family, she turned her passion for plants into Stone Circle Flowers, a micro flower farm in South County, Rhode Island. Committed to sustainable growing, the farm is completely pesticide and chemical-free, using no synthetic fertilizers and following no-till practices. For Tonya, these methods aren’t just farming choices—they reflect her deep love and respect for the natural world.
“I’ve spent all of my life exploring the natural world around me and all its diverse ecosystems. I love working with Mother Nature and learning all about her rhythms and cycles. When I farm I bring my awareness to the plants, the earth and the spirits around them, building my connection to my land. Ever striving to understand soil biology, insects, weather and cosmic cycles, is teaching me to stay in balance with nature. Farming to me is like breathing. I have to do it, it’s part of me, It’s who I am. Sharing the beauty of flowers and seeing the smiles on peoples faces brings me much joy. It makes me so happy knowing people are enjoying them. If people see the beauty of nature they may want to protect it. Learn more about it, and cultivate their own beauty, as they see the world.”
Tonya Finn Hackley
When did you begin buying plants from Farmer Bailey?
I began buying plugs in 2021, for a few reasons. Having a small farm, I needed help with all the seeding I had to do. Since I do not have a heated greenhouse, I relied on Farmer Bailey plugs for most of my plantings, and do still.
I do some seeding on racks with mats and lights in my kitchen, which is not ideal. This being the case, I'm really grateful for Farmer Bailey plugs. Another reason, is all the amazing Lisianthus to choose from. I got several Lisianthus varieties in my first order. I was so excited to grow them and I still am, every season. Yet another reason is the beautiful user friendly website. Ordering my plugs and perennials is a breeze.
How has Farmer Bailey supported your business?
Farmer Bailey has supported my business in many ways. Whenever I have a question or an issue I know I can always reach out and ask for advice. My emails have always been answered quickly, and I know someone is always there if I have a question. We have been asked many times about our successes and failures. You've asked us what plants we are interested in growing. You listened.
It was always exciting to see the new products I suggested become available. Adding on the two resources of new Growing Guides and Koppert/Natural Enemies (beneficial insects and microorganisms) is invaluable. I love the live webinars with questions and answers afterward. Farmer Bailey always has great information to share with us.
Being seen and heard as a small scale farmer means so much. It makes me feel connected to our flower farming community. I know that supporting our businesses by always looking for new products and building relationships with other breeders and growers from around the world, makes each of our businesses grow.
Is there a particular flower or set of flowers that you started with, and have you pivoted?
I started with Campanula, Lisianthus and Snapdragons. I haven't pivoted much from the first flowers I started with. I fell in love with them. I love starting my season with Campanula, they are quite popular with my customers. It's a flower that is uncommon to some, yet recognized by others, as a long lost family favorite. They have a long vase life and are available in several colors. The deep blue is always a favorite. I started doubling my order a couple of years ago.
Lisianthus is another flower I started with and will continue to grow every year. My customers can't wait for them to bloom every summer. They are just fabulous in every way. I have a few favorites I order every year but, I do like trying new varieties. Some of my favorites are from the Voyage series. My customer favorites are the Solo blue picotee and the Pucchino Choco.
Which plants have most successful, and why? What do you consider your area of expertise, or greatest area of growth?
Lisianthus are very successful on my farm. I can program them to bloom for weeks, and they hold well in the cooler. My customers are in awe over the many shapes, sizes, and colors the Lisianthus come in. Of course, they are very profitable as well. I have learned to grow them successfully in raised benches and tulip crates, in an old 3 season greenhouse. They are grown in a potting soil medium with several amendments. I am able to get 20+ inch stem length and lots of beautiful blooms. I have had many successes and failures and have learned a lot about growing Lisianthus in this way.
What are your challenges?
I think that some of my challenges are marketing and social media, as they are not my strong suits. That being said, I have hired a web designer and marketing consultant.
There is also the hiring of employees. I do not have trouble finding the right people. I have had some wonderful people come to work with me. The issue is being confident enough to keep them on for the whole season.
What is your best advice for new flower farmers? What would you have wanted to know in your first year of flower farming?
If you're on the fence about getting a cooler, yes, get one! Be patient with yourself. Speak kindly to yourself. You will not get all of your plants in the ground. The weeds will take over some of your beds. You may not get all the fabric down on the ground between your rows. Your plug trays will dry out. You will be totally overwhelmed and questioning yourself. This is all ok. It's part of the process. It's normal. Our Flower Farming community is here for you. Send us a DM anytime.
How many years have you been flower farming?
Six years.
What is your typical business model? Has this changed over the years?
My typical business model is the Farmer's Market, DIY Buckets, Business to Business, some small events and custom work. I just started a CSA last season. My business model hasn't changed much. Although, I will be adding some florists this year and supplying my local wholesaler with some of my flowers.
How do you spend your non-farming time? What brings you great joy?
Spending time with my family and grandchildren makes me happy. We have family dinners, chats around the fire pit and get togethers often. I love being part of their lives and watching my grandchildren grow.
My other love is exploring nature, hiking, kayaking and going to the beach. I love to travel, I'm always up for an adventure. I like to read about nature, ancient civilizations, human consciousness and spirituality, and an occasional romance novel. I'm taking another 12 week Plant Spirit Apprenticeship course this winter. Being a couch potato and cuddling my four cats does happen often.
Tell us about yourself, whether they are business-related or a personal passion.
I grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, right on the Narragansett Bay. I spent countless hours exploring the shore and snorkeling. I am a mother of three children and a grandmother of three. I've been married for 35 years. I now live in Richmond, Rhode Island. I have a strong passion for sustainable practices and using organic methods on the farm. I strive to always grow in harmony with nature.
