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Alena Samoylenko

Alena Samoylenko

Sustainable gardening, plant combinations, practical gardening advise for beginners

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shade garden

  • 14.04.2026
  • shade garden
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Best Plants for Dry Shade Under Trees: My Top 3 Ferns That Actually Thrive

Ferns have always been among my favorite plants for shaded gardens.They bring a sense of calm, softness, and natural elegance that is very hard to achieve with other plant groups. What makes them especially valuable in design is their...

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  • 10.04.2026
  • shade garden
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Designing Under Trees: Dry Shade Planting with Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’

Areas beneath large trees are among the most challenging spaces in the garden. Lawns refuse to establish, and even shade-tolerant plants often struggle to survive. It’s not just the lack of light—these spaces are typically dry, with intense root...

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  • 15.04.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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Designing Shade Gardens: Stunning Plant Combinations with Rodgersia

Rodgersia is a bold and clump-forming perennial with rhizomatous roots, originating from shaded slopes, moist woodlands, and stream banks in Japan and Korea. Its striking foliage and remarkable shade tolerance make it a valuable asset to any garden. Rodgersia...

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  • 07.04.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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3 Planting Schemes for Dry Shade with Hellebores and Companion Plants

Botanical name: Helleborus. Common name: Hellebore, Lenten rose, Christmas rose. USDA Zones 3-9 Hellebores are undoubtedly cherished for their captivating blooms, but their role in the garden goes well beyond just flowering. With their large architectural leaves, these plants offer...

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  • 24.03.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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What to Plant Next to Bigleaf Hydrangea – Best Companion Plants for Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a cherished favorite among gardeners for its breathtaking blooms and luxuriant foliage. With its versatile varieties, including mopheads and lace-caps, bigleaf hydrangeas can seamlessly integrate into any garden style, whether it...

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  • 10.03.2024
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A Guide to Understanding and Caring for 4 Different Types of Hydrangeas: Lighting, Watering, and Pruning Tips

Hydrangeas are a beloved addition to many gardens, prized for their stunning blooms and vibrant colors. However, caring for hydrangeas can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to understanding the unique needs of each type for lighting,...

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  • 04.03.2024
  • Planting Plans and Plant Combinations
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What to Plant with Oakleaf Hydrangea? 3 Ready-to-Use Plant Combinations for Hydrangea quercifolia

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a resilient and visually striking shrub, thriving in gardens across Zones 5-9 with its unique oak-like leaves and enduring four-season allure. Spring heralds its grand display of large, dramatic foliage, followed by cone-shaped panicles...

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  • 02.10.2023
  • shade garden
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Eurybia divaricata: A Versatile Gem for Your Dry Shade Garden

When it comes to creating a thriving garden in dry shade conditions, the Eurybia divaricata, also known as White Wood Aster, emerges as a top contender. This perennial beauty not only brightens up the often overlooked shady spots but...

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