Style Observer Gardening (SOG) is back in entrepreneur Caril Hosang’s garden, which has been transformed into a lush paradise. Her front and backyards are now home to a wide variety of plants and fruit trees, making the space perfect for both entertaining and creative inspiration. Hosang shares that the project wasn’t without its struggles, but she is grateful for the lessons learned along the way.

“This garden is special. I would not say we are particularly green-thumbed, but my husband and I both enjoy seeing a beautiful landscaped garden and throughout the years, we’ve had to learn about different plants. I have lost a lot because of various reasons in that learning process, but I have learnt to pick and stick to certain plants and circompose others,” Hosang said. “We are also very grateful for the hard work put in by our gardener who lovingly toils in the hot sun to maintain what you are seeing now.”

In addition to her gardener’s meticulous work, Hosang’s garden restoration was achieved thanks to her consistent watering with a sprinkler and drip system, which was especially crucial given the challenges of drought when she started the restoration in 2008.

According to Hosang, the secret to a successful garden is patience, doing your research, and consulting with professionals at plant stores. She recommends always considering factors like sunlight before choosing plants.

“The assistants at plant stores are knowledgeable and can help you choose plants that would be suitable for the area. Get knowledgeable about the flowers that bloom all year round or part of the year and that are fairly easy to maintain,” Hosang advised. “Add colour with plants with variegated leaves or leaves with colour.”

BougainvilleaGarfield Robinson

Carruthers’ falseface (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Madagascar periwinkle (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Buttercup (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Allmanda blanchetii (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Areca nut from the areca palm (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Ruellia simplex (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Crown of thorns (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jasmine (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

A view of Caril Hosang’s landscaped front yard (Photo: Garfield Robinson)