Small tropical garden (20sqft) makeover with 10 Pro Gardening Tips

Step-by-step guide for a garden makeover of a small planter area, starting with the landscaping with an eye to repurpose and recycle for sustainability, getting the potting media/soil mix right, designing the space with balance, concepts of plant layering and focal point plants.
Cool gardening books I'm reading now on organic DIY ways to get rid of pest & have healthy plants:
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Let's connect in Instagram: @leafing.around
To support my channel, you can also buy me coffee or put another plant in my garden!
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[@peapod1217]

Irene, you are the absolute best when it comes to hardscaping and design! I also love the fact that you show us the reality of gardening - the mud, cuts, sweat, indecisions, laziness to fetch gloves and not just a perfect end product. We can all relate.

[@leafing.around]

Oh thank you! I needed to hear that...I just had a friend commenting what a terrible gardener I am😅

[@melvinhoyk]

@@leafing.around Irene, tell your friend other gardener were as messy too, as they didn't show you the behind the scene.

[@Dominique03]

I was thinking the same thing. I wish more gardening vloggers would do the same. They look so unnatural when they do that kind of gardening wearing full makeup. Irene is so authentic.

[@baltschoolofdance]

YES!! And I totally relate to inviting people over so that I get my act together! LOL! Love your channel! So jealous of your warm climate.

[@josielilechano4535]

yes reality of home gardening... messy indecisiveness, laziness and dirt are first before the picture perfect aesthetics 😂 love it

[@jumbohotdog6230]

Who's here for the captions? Yes Irene self care before plant care. Love from the Philippines.

[@vangiehernandez6639]

You’re such a good hearted person, I’m beginning to like you…

[@veganvocalist4782]

I am creating a FREE garden from rescued plants and cuttings . My closest friends are good gardeners so they bring me cuttings and when I find random plants that are dying , I give them a chance , it all started with Barbara and Hepworth that I found in a skip in St Ives Cornwall, UK . Both named after Barbara Hepworth the sculpture artist that lived there . Sadly Hepworth died after many beautiful years of becoming a tree , Barbara is HUGE ;D and lives in the corner of the yard outside . She was my first rescue ;D I loooove your channel Irene , you make my heart smile especially after recently losing my sweet Dog Daughter 🐶🐾just shy of her 15th birthday . Thank you for soothing my sad heart 🥰

[@judyegan7600]

I garden like you. Flip flops , no gloves, use anything around me, etc. I love your technique. So glad I found you

[@leafing.around]

Yay!!🥰🙌 There is a method to the chaos, I'd like to think...hahaha

[@jameskirk2579]

An accident is always unforeseen and happens very quickly: a stone on a toe, a cut or broken finger, a brick chip in the eye and it means stopping work for a week or more.....

[@veganvocalist4782]

@@jameskirk2579 Awwww yes that is very true james 🥰

[@melanielinkous8746]

Omg! I laughed out loud when you said "The quickest way for me to getting something done is to invite someone over" 😛 I do the same thing! Love your channel. 😘

[@leafing.around]

Yes... Such a deep need to impress others...😁😁

[@marifin228]

Me too.. 😂

[@erinjoy5625]

It really is so true lol

[@anm7018]

😅😅Me too!!

[@wh0tube]

The fastest way for me to do something is to invite someone over and ask them to do it for me!

[@alnherickjamaani2937]

What a beautiful wall! Filipinos love you Irene! ❤️

[@leafing.around]

Thank you!! I love Filipinos back🥰🥰🥰

[@olgamunroe1408]

I love that you film everything mistakes, cuts and all!😂. This was awesome! You have a spectacular garden🌱

[@leafing.around]

Yes...I want to show if a klutz like me can do it, anyone can!😁

[@miiteaukura7276]

Irene, I really love the way you relate to your plants, I enjoy talking to my lot too as my baby girls, yes you've chosen Vanda orchids, so beautiful and vibrant colors for your wall, I live in the pacific, tropical paradise and the same plants here, but I enjoy your videos, thank u

[@sandramalone3522]

You have such s tropical paradise that is so gorgeous and peaceful. Thank you Irene for such a soothing, informative and lovely video.

[@leafing.around]

Welcome Sandra...delighted to share this project w you!

[@sandramalone3522]

@@leafing.around Looking forward to seeing more of your video's.

[@themissniccib]

While it stresses me that the vertical frame is crooked, I can't help but love it because of your relaxed nature Irene. You are so enjoyable to watch, I see myself doing these same things and can only imagine what a fun and beautiful friend you would be to have! Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@leafing.around]

Hehe....would you believe it thanks to Covid I was stuck long enuf at home to do these makeovers. How the world has opened up...Ioss being stuck at home to work on garden projects! Thanks for joining me in this kinda unplanned erratic makeover!

[@brainfeedersbyruru]

Her humour and her creativity really blends well! I love your channel! -Filipino Fan

[@rebeccawhite9379]

Goodness! This is soooo me- flip flops- no gloves- falling into the mud, 🥰you are so real!

[@akal28k]

I just want to say you have such an awesome personality, you're entertaining and educating. Keep up the great work. Peace and Blessings

[@potospotos4078]

When your husband is camera shy ... But is handy around the garden ... That is best 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[@leafing.around]

Yeah....handy to have around sometimes😄

[@jeannehager5300]

Looks great!!!you are very good 😱

[@erlinealfeche8616]

Look great ! Nice

[@DeborahDupre]

Irene, You are one of the most inspiring landscapers I've ever seen helping people learn. Thank you for sharing your endearing personality, artistic gift, and talent.

[@amadoreyes1752]

You did a great job! I like the vertical wood slats background as a contrast on the white background. The idea of designing as it evolves is very effective in any situation. Kudos to you!

[@MKPhilippines]

amazing idea

[@Robert_Lindsay]

It’s good fun to see you thinking it all through and enjoying the results. Gardens are like artwork and we do have to bring our own creativity into arranging it all.

[@chathurijayasooriya7949]

I just LOVE your vibe and authenticity Irene, and the fact that you are not afraid to show the 'mistakes' too :) So relatable and I couldn't help laughing with relief to see someone else huffing and puffing through the process just like me! I just started gardening (loving it already) and came across your channel just yesterday. I'm your fan! Keep up leafing around and sharing your lovely and super helpful videos :)

[@ryanjaycruz7871]

Irene, job well done. I am definitely envious of your space! You are so creative with your design ideas. Great repurposing of that old fence. I just hope the fence is somehow secured onto the railing to prevent it from falling on somebody. Also amazing and gorgeous plant collection! Kudos on your hard work 🥰🥰🥰

[@jacqdanieles]

With other plant videos I usually skip thru. With yours I watch right thru because the commentary is both informative & humorous 😀

[@leafing.around]

Haha...Thanks Jacq! I do try to entertain especially with my plant parody videos. :D

[@uapin]

You're so gentle and soft-spoken. So nice to watch you, Irene. Mabuhay from the Philippines.

[@lunaticplantlover]

I find Irene so familiarly funny and cute 🥺🤯😍💚😭☀️ wish she was my teacher and friend in real life

[@PinoyPlantito]

Love the bits of wisdom you gave while working along..

[@leafing.around]

Hehe...just random thoughts floating in and out of my head. 😁

[@marciavieira7332]

Love you Irene, just discovered your channel. I lived for 15 years in China, I could have gone gardening with you ,many times.

[@DaughterofGod-777]

She’s not from China!!! How rude!

[@DaughterofGod-777]

She’s not from China!

[@elizabethfuhr5527]

I really 💕 seeing your mistakes, unedited. A proof that this is legit. I love it.

[@minouminouche]

Omg, you're my favorite gardening magician... Your wonderful place is So beautiful and calming... ❤️🌱💞

[@leafing.around]

Gardening magician? Never been called that!🥰

[@s.m.create5112]

Amazing!! you not only created a beautiful landscape but you also created a functional ecosystem for all the plants like vanda orchids forms clumps on trees in wild and you did the same thing by placing them close. Great job 😃😃🤩👌🏻

[@leafing.around]

Yay, I did something right without realizing it :) Thank you!

[@s.m.create5112]

@@leafing.around and you also placed the alocasias below them, so transpiration from the board leaves will provide all the humidity the orchids needs. (:

[@leafing.around]

@@s.m.create5112😃😃😇 boy am I clever or what?!😂😂

[@s.m.create5112]

@@leafing.around you're seriously clever 😁

[@fairfiona]

My favourite plant Videooooooo thus far. This is a lot of hard work and finesse! Thanks for taking us through this journey and allowing us to feel your satisfaction!

[@Alternativebussy]

You have the quirkiest personality I love it and I love how you don’t try and make gardening look perfect so happy I discovered your channel!

[@LyPham-lq9vd]

Your creation is beyond words. Wall after wall...love them all! 🌿🌿🌿

[@leafing.around]

Thank you Ly!🥰🥰

[@onlyplants]

Very satisfying project to watch. Good job!!

[@sherwinzalameda8231]

Irene, i really adore for you.being just you. Witty, hardworking, good designer, having an eye for whst is beautiful. Mabuhay from the Phillipines. 🇵🇭

[@leafing.around]

Awww....thank you Sherwin!🥰🤗 You laughed the whole time? Made my day!!

[@veganvocalist4782]

was thinking a dash of pink would look perfect on it because when you stood against it with your lovely pink top it popped with all the beautiful green , was pleased when you put pink orchids there 🥰

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

I just love your gardening attire. Flippers and no gloves!!

[@leafing.around]

😬😬😬 some people cannot stand it! Thanks for appreciating my outfit!

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

@@leafing.around I know!!! 🤣🤣

[@robertadamson6133]

You captured my attention the moment you put up the vertical fence background. Your process, your humor, and your inspirational end result convinced me that I HAVE to try to achieve this in my yard! At first, I wanted to see the end result right away, but because of your calm narration, your humor, and the evolving beauty of your tropical paradise, I was disappointed when the video was over. Keep up the great work! I can’t wait to see more! ☘️💕

[@leafing.around]

I woke up this morning to this comment and that put me on top of the world. Thanks Robert for your lovely words of appreciation! This video almost didn't happen...but as I was gonna start work on it, dear ol' hub said why not filmed up since you are so stressed about what content to make next....and this happened!

[@zenthumb]

What I liked about your approach with plants is that you always consider how they would look good in the garden. I hope you do more garden make over. ☺️

[@ecogreenyes8784]

Delightful lady semi-horticulturist who really is "down to earth" literally. I am a passionate creative tropical garden enthusiast with own style. Grew up in NYC long time ago and hardly ever noticed a tree or plant. Moved to Miami Beach, Fl. in 1967 and in the last 25 years have created a 1 of a kind personal tropical oasis Requires extraordinary good luck, good soil, and good labor. Enjoy this video and the nice lady too.

[@christinashek4876]

This is stunning, love it! Your such a delight to watch, your real and raw. Discovered a few inspirations to add to my balcony garden. Thank you for sharing this video xxx

[@areeBetu]

gardening not easy, wrestling those big plants is a hard job. But when you finished it it's worth it.

[@kaniliachumi3853]

Oh...you have turned bare empty space into beautiful eye-catching and head-turn area, really appreciated

[@christelklinko7683]

You’re awesome. Just listening to you makes be happy. You have a talent of bringing humor To your teaching which makes it much more interesting. Thank you!

[@sandraw50]

You are such an inspiration. Love the whole transformation. Keep posting videos

[@thetropics8238]

You're so adorable! I feel excited with you decorating your yard. More please 😍🌿

[@resviaafrilene7110]

I could sitring in this garden for a day.... it's wonderful job Irene

[@ambersajid8533]

After watching ur videos..feels like me doing gardening n enjoying talking to plants..making different focal points..making them scenic with stories..❤..💐🇵🇰

[@fiore32]

I love the way you decorate that empty part of the garden 🪴 looks stunning hun x

[@mitalipandey7870]

u are a one hardworking person...liked the way you did everything on ur own...n liked ur casual look too...u are amazing

[@elainemunro4621]

Irene, it is gorgeous! I love the way you make changes as you go, as no plan is perfect when reality and imperfections show up!

[@sitinasuhamohddaud2890]

Love plants , love the whole world 🌎

[@melissarushing2538]

Wow, Irene! You're really good at putting plants together and making it all look very appealing. Great job! Thanks for sharing your ideas n tips w/us. Happy gardening, my dear!!😇🙏

[@tiffanieroberts9790]

OMG I JUST DIED LAUGHING WHEN YOU SAID ... I DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL THIS IS!! LOVE IT!!

[@leafing.around]

😁😁 and am happy to report this thing is still alive!!😬

[@Lechat_manille]

This video. I want my future life to be like this. Days filled with plant projects around my house. ❤️

[@sarahjane6650]

I love this video. Thank you so much for sharing! You are honest and you are loyal. These are my kind of people!

[@tammysjungle7064]

You did a fantastic job! Stunning!

[@addydog2012]

I love it! So calming and lush. Tropical plants are my favorites. You are adorable and so down to earth, love your style. Keep up the good work.💋

[@surgeinc1]

Had to watch this again…still my favorite Leafing Around video!😊❤

[@leafing.around]

😆🤗 back in the days of being stuck at home during Covid. 😀

[@jayamarya1688]

You have a good sense of humour! Thats how i experience landscaping my garden.

[@myllspicks]

oh irene i really love your work! that area is sooo beautiful! i hope i could design my own garden someday 💕

[@graciousem9612]

Loving your work from all the way over here in JAMAICA 🇯🇲 🖤💚 💛

[@leafing.around]

Whoah... Hello Jamaica! 🥰😃🤗🌿🍃

[@beienetchh]

@@leafing.around more of us are here as well...love your work!!!

[@aloraelaine7342]

This video gave me deep feelings. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.

[@EscapePlan_th]

I love your video, it's feel real. There is no need of perfectioness. Thank you leafing

[@diodeliaestorba4491]

I love your gardening style its unplanned but you have lots of plants. And it goes smoothly. Love it.

[@BenteDosUnoBente]

I am truly inspired by your hard work and eye for beauty! Your makeover turned out great :) BTW, I love Alocasias and ferns too!

[@rolandrayn4869]

'.. see the roots are so gorgeous !' I thought i saw the orchid plants nodding in agreement. hahaha. Good of you Irene.

[@doncancook97]

this is the most honest and real thing vids that I've ever seen

[@leafing.around]

That is the highest compliment. Thank you 🤗

[@doncancook97]

@@leafing.around I'd love to make my own vids about this kind of thing..but i dunno how to start it..and your channel inspire me a lot..thanks madam

[@rhondahand6498]

Ms. Irene, you are so delightful and personable! I felt like I’m there with you as a bystander. I found myself saying, “No, push it over a bit to the right.” LOL! While I can’t have a tropical garden where I live, I appreciate the tips and your ‘learn-as-you-go’ style bc that’s what most of us do probably. We can relate. Best plant wishes!

[@sanjoth90]

This was so fun to watch. And so informative with all the variety, I’ve learned a lot. By the way most of the alocasias endemic here in the Philippines are already endangered due to poaching and forest destruction however the boom in plant love is at a certain degree helping conserve them. Kudos to your long fun videos. No dull moment. 😍🥂

[@leafing.around]

🤗 thanks Jonas! 🌱☘🌿

[@leafing.around]

Same also in Borneo....we have such rich diversity....the logging mostly wiped out a large section of the rainforest🙄😏

[@sanjoth90]

Sad reality for all the tropical countries. Hopefully the rise of plant communities will domino with forest conservation. Watching videos like yours made me change my mind living in big cities.

[@drmankind]

Irene...I love it when you said the beautiful circular Thaumatophyllum Spruceanum (formerly Philodendron Goeldii) and the Cyclanthus Bipartitus spoke to you in your dreams...Ncoo! I must be getting soft, but I was touched by that....beautiful!

[@jessielisegovia6517]

Thank you mam Irine for giving the idea of making a garden like this...

[@violin1126]

I have a suggestion! Will it be nice if you also install garden lights for night view 😀

[@leafing.around]

Ah yes I do have them! But honestly rarely out there at nite

[@cristinajegaradsan5216]

You never cease to amaze me. You're so creative and your garden is just beautiful!

[@melitcamacho4668]

You truly got the passion for gardening,you inspire us to do the same,.making the surroundings sound and fresh,thanks for inspiring us,keep up the good work.

[@judymimay6702]

Hello Irene..am one of your followers from the Philippines.. i really admire how you manages and cares your plants in your tropical garden..honestly i have adapt your ideas here in my small garden too.. keep up the good work..👏👏God bless!!

[@conniekeefe8726]

You did such a beautiful job, I love doing jobs like this myself I have a huge garden around a pool and there’s always something to plant thank you very much for some good ideas, your garden is beautiful.

[@DatuinChannel]

Your ideas are entertaining, you are so patient to accomplish everything needed in your space.

[@Cameron-zv7ti]

I have vanda orchids that bloom multiple times a year so hopefully yours do too!

[@margaritaarcena7379]

I love all your plants. I am from the Philippines. Like you i love plants. I am going to be 75 yrs old come July and inspite of my age it won't stop me collecting plants thou i stop my self from buying pricey plants as i am retired and only pensionaire at that. I plan to buy monstera when this pandemic say goodbye, for i believe prices of plants will be at a lower price. Thank you for showing your beautiful plants. I wish i could visit your country. Bye take care always.

[@leafing.around]

HI Margarita, they say gardening keeps one healthy and happy! So true what you say...should stay away from buying expensive plants. If you are even in Malaysia let me know, we'd have tea in my garden! :)

[@selietajon6095]

Good job. I’m from the Philippines watching your very good planting make over.

[@michsisonp]

I love what you have achieved on this compact space.What a showcase!

[@lorenzamacias5319]

Looks so real , like a jungle , perfect . Congratulation .

[@orawanjan3442]

i admire your spirit of doing whatever you can do by yourself. god job and applaud

[@leafing.around]

Thanks to then Covid, I was stuck at home for months and months and end up making and improving my garden all year😁

[@ratchelarias1933]

Hello Ms. Irene, I really love all your videos. There's so many things I can relate to - the reality of gardening process and unexplainable happiness we feel for the love of plants. I am Mommy Atchie from the Philippines 😊💖💖💖

[@lovenymph61]

Love your garden make over. Enjoyed watching/listening to how you did it. ❤️

[@hchayes9431]

We are doing a 100 % tropical garden in our small backyard and thanks for showing us VERTICAL ways of going UP also in planting.

[@trishgrove810]

LOVE the end result!! A tropical garden is so calming and beautiful.... So glad I found you.

[@bernadetteavila3582]

I super love this channel.. feels like here in the Philippines too, good to take a cup of coffee always in your garden..🥰🥰 so relaxing and stress free ambiance..

[@earth2mike]

Watching from Ph🇵🇭! I love you sooooo much! Thank the Lord I found your channel! I appreciate sooo much your gardening principle, you are making me jelous and inspired at the same time! More power to you!

[@marietuasoc4723]

wow! what a beautiful landscaping ! owesome talent ❤

[@samihanova8657]

Thank you for sharing the whole process....It turned out as beautiful as you💜💜

[@filipmissotten9325]

Absolutely amazing Lady with the most stunning garden. Perfect climate thought, Malaysia is a fantastic country to live...visited Kuala Lumpur in the past...🤩❤

[@JancenRevo]

I love how realistic and relatable you are, I’m learning a lot from you as a late player!

[@leafing.around]

Am sooo happy to help you in your green journey ahead🌿☘️🌱

[@joanadarkalves5840]

Muito lindo!!! Parabéns pelo seu trabalho 👏😍!

[@lj5585]

Loved this gardening adventure with such a delightful and humorous lady! Beautiful design ---

[@richellecruz6472]

Such a wonderful wall project Irene.Kudos for a job well done.❤🌿

[@Onthesummit]

Utterly sensational! I love it so much, everything looks fantastic.

[@pirti1008]

Such a treat to watch. 🌈👍🥰💚🪴🌴🍃

[@EricaNernie]

Love your DIY approach, and you have a great instinct for design.

[@Freshfrommygarden-Smita]

Very true, there's always something to do in the garden. Your garden is very beautiful 👍🏻

[@adelle4528]

This is Gold Irene don’t change a bit your clearly a talented, seasoned gardener. Stunning garden picked up a lot of ideas. Such a refreshing video had a great laugh thank you for keeping it real 🦋

[@BUHAYMOTHER]

Thankyou so much for sharing & showing as well all the hard work involved. The transformation looks great 🥰🥰

[@virgiecovita5188]

Oh I Love that vertical garden...ur so amazing Irene...

[@zamsabas597]

Super love it! My eyes pop when I saw the lovely orchids 😍😍😍 I'm inspired to make my own wall garden too.