Leafing Around

Leafing Around

12 Episodes

Take a breathtaking journey through the lush, vibrant world of tropical gardens with Irene Chen, your guide to the most extraordinary private and hidden green spaces across Southeast Asia.

Filmed on location in Malaysia and beyond, each episode showcases living works of art—overflowing with rare foliage, bold textures, and imaginative design. From sprawling jungle estates to compact balcony oases, Leafing Around invites you to explore how tropical plants transform space, spirit, and climate.

With Irene’s passion for all things philodendron, caladium, and begonia, these tours are more than just beautiful—they’re soulful, curious, and deeply connected to the world of plants.

Trailer Share
Leafing Around
  • S1E1 A Hidden Tropical Garden Built Around Water, Wildlife, and Calm

    Episode 1

    Tucked away in Jakarta, this hidden tropical garden unfolds as a deeply personal landscape shaped by water, plants, and quiet intention. Irene Chen explores a layered ecosystem where a swimming pool flows into a fish pond, iconic plants from around the world thrive side by side, and a natural gro...

  • S1E2 Dreaming Big in a Tiny Tropical Garden

    Episode 2

    In this intimate garden tour, Irene Chen visits Farron’s compact 280-square-foot tropical garden to explore how patience, observation, and care can transform even the smallest space. Farron reflects on four years of growth—sharing lessons learned about watering, fertilization, potting media, and ...

  • S1E3 Inside a Landscape Architect’s Garden Shaped by Light and Resilience

    Irene Chen visits a private garden in Taba designed by landscape architect Keith, where resilience and creativity guide every choice. The garden blends hardy plant selections with careful water management and alternative soil approaches suited to the local climate. Recycled materials are reimagin...

  • S1E4 A Lush Borneo Garden Where Tropical Plants Take Center Stage

    In this episode, Irene Chen visits a remarkable private garden in Borneo guided by owner Ong, where tropical plants thrive in layered abundance. As they walk through the garden, Ong shares practical insights on potting media, fertilizer use, propagation methods, and adapting care to shifting weat...

  • S1E5 Inside an Award-Winning Tropical Home Where the Garden Leads

    In this episode, Irene Chen tours an award-winning tropical home in Borneo where architecture and garden design are deeply intertwined. The surrounding landscape features easy-care tropical plants chosen for resilience and beauty, while natural forms and materials shape the home’s structure and f...

  • S1E6 Inside an Award-Winning Singapore Garden Designed for Art and Intimacy

    This episode explores an award-winning private garden in Singapore where planting, art, and atmosphere are carefully layered into a compact space. Irene Chen walks through the garden she created with Ronnie, sharing how dense planting, sculptural elements, and water features work together to crea...

  • S1E7 A Super Lush Tropical Garden Grown with Patience and Personality

    In this episode, Irene Chen visits a deeply personal tropical garden cultivated over 11 years by her plant friend Juni. As they walk through layers of lush growth, Juni reflects on her hands-on journey—sharing practical insights on pruning, repotting, propagation, and understanding each plant’s i...

  • S1E8 Inside a Secret Rooftop Garden Where Rainforest Meets Research

    High above the city, this episode uncovers one of Southeast Asia’s largest rooftop gardens—an ambitious landscape designed as both living rainforest and experimental growing space. Irene Chen tours the garden created by Dr. Francis Ung, where distinct plant zones coexist atop a lightweight soil s...

  • S1E9 Oxford Botanist visits DIY Tropical Garden

    Join a personal garden tour that showcases tropical plants and highlights recent changes and new additions. Insights from botanist Dr. Francis enhance the experience, as the host shares their four-year gardening journey. The discussion covers practical gardening skills, care tips for slow-growing...

  • S1E10 A Borneo Private Garden

    A private garden in Coing, Malaysia showcases an impressive collection of tropical plants. The owner creatively arranges unique specimens, including a large philodendron beier and various begonia varieties. The tour features rare anterium, jade ventilation blocks, and diverse acacia species. View...

  • S1E11 Inside a DIY Jungle Garden Where Art, Plants, and Wildlife Coexist

    This episode explores a 7,300-square-foot DIY jungle garden woven seamlessly into an art-filled home. Irene Chen visits the private garden of Russell Low, who has shaped the space as a personal retreat rooted in biodiversity and balance. Dense tropical planting attracts birds and local wildlife, ...

  • S1E12 Inside a Beautiful Garden Designed for Balance and Self-Sufficiency

    This episode visits a tranquil private garden shaped around self-sufficiency, care, and thoughtful design. Irene Chen explores the space with Mr. Chow, where a living pond supports edible fish and plays an essential role in the garden’s ecosystem. As they walk through the garden, conversations un...