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Alena Samoylenko

Alena Samoylenko

Sustainable gardening, plant combinations, practical gardening advise for beginners

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Planting Plans and Plant Combinations

  • 04.02.2026
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Aster ‘Mönch’ in the Garden: Design Ideas and Plant Combinations

The full botanical name of this plant is Aster × frikartii ‘Mönch’.In this post, we’ll look at four practical ways to use this aster in the garden, suitable for different conditions and design styles. Key Plant Information Aster ‘Mönch’...

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  • 29.01.2026
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) and Astrantia major: A Striking Yet Simple Pairing

One of my favorite plant combinations is Centranthus and Astrantia. These two perennials complement each other so naturally that at the peak of flowering, it’s impossible to look away. In this border, the Astrantia was already growing — likely...

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  • 22.01.2026
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’: Four Ready-to-Use Planting Schemes

Among the many cultivars of Salvia nemorosa, ‘Amethyst’ stands out as one of the most versatile perennials for modern flower borders. Its soft pink-lilac color integrates effortlessly into a wide range of planting palettes, while its naturally wide, well-branched...

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  • 15.01.2026
  • Butterfly garden
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Companion Plants for Buddleja ‘Miss Molly’: 3 Planting Schemes

If someone asked me to recommend a reliable, low-maintenance shrub for a sunny spot — one that flowers generously and asks for very little in return — Buddleja ‘Miss Molly’ would be one of the first plants to come...

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  • 13.10.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Companion Plants for Pinus mugo ‘Mops’: Two Simple Planting Schemes

Today, I’d like to share two easy yet effective planting schemes using Pinus mugo ‘Mops’. Among dwarf pines, this variety is a favorite of mine due to its dense, rounded cushion of dark green needles, which remain attractive for...

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  • 08.09.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Companion Plants for Mary Ann Rose: Creating Stunning Garden Combinations

Continuing our series on companion plants for roses, I’d like to highlight one of my personal favorites: Mary Ann (Rosen Tantau, 2012). This compact, bushy hybrid tea rose is known for its large, nostalgic cup-shaped blooms. The flowers, quartered...

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  • 16.06.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Companion Plants to Pair with English Rose ‘Roald Dahl’: A Planting Scheme for Your Garden

The beginning of summer marks the period when roses reach their peak beauty in our gardens. Personally, I absolutely adore David Austin roses for their tenderness, stunning hues, and, of course, their enchanting fragrance. Today, I want to share...

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  • 09.06.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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What to Plant with Lychnis coronaria: Best Companion Plants for Rose Campion

At the beginning of June, the garden’s spotlight is captured by the cheerful Lychnis coronaria, featuring bright magenta flowers on tall, upright stems. This drought-tolerant plant is one of the easiest to grow and is ideal for various locations,...

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