You know a landscape is good when it appears as if it hasn't been designed at all, but rather just exists as if it has existed there forever. The magnetic quality of the space draws you in to nurture and protect you from all exterior forces and distractions. I instantly knew that the Garden on Paros, designed by Carolyn Chadwick, was one of those gardens when I saw it featured last month in our Greek Getaway. I had to see more.

Drawing inspiration from the colors of the sea and the rhythmic motion of the waves, Carolyn aimed to deliver a garden to her clients in Greece that would be "wild and peaceful, exciting and an inspiration." Today we will return to the island to delve deeper into the features that make this garden so unforgettably and effortlessly beautiful. Carolyn Chadwick The location of this garden dictated much of the design right from the start of the project. "The idea behind the design was to really incorporate it into the landscape, reflecting the movement of the sea and to look as if it had alway been there." The ocean view, the rocky cliffs, and the Mediterranean climate were major deciding factors in all creative decisions. Carolyn Chadwick The movement of the ocean and the wind is echoed in the garden through billowy plants and meandering paths. Carolyn Chadwick The plants were chosen specifically for the ocean project's ocean theme. Carolyn focused the palette on white, blue, and pink flowering plants, with a sporadic splash of red for a hint of sunset. Once she has chosen a theme for the project, all creative decisions reinforce that theme. Carolyn Chadwick Lavender is a staple in this Mediterranean climate. Carolyn Chadwick African lilies and Society Garlic in a spectrum of blues, pinks, and whites blanket the landscape and blow with the breeze. Carolyn Chadwick The Marguerite daisy makes many appearances. Carolyn Chadwick And when your eye has grown accustomed to the purple palette, a blast of red from oleander reveals itself. Carolyn Chadwick For the garden to look more natural, the plants were clustered in large masses.

Carolyn Chadwick Landscape designer tip: Even if you only have a small space to work with, limit the number of species you plant. Too many different species in a small area can be jarring to the eye and make the space look more artificial. Carolyn Chadwick While color was a strong determinant for the plants chosen for this project, textures were just as critical. This garden is full of cotton lavender, but you wouldn't know it because all of the yellow blooms have been chopped off to let its velvety foliage stand alone. Carolyn Chadwick "I like the garden to be light, airy, and beautiful," says Carolyn. Carolyn Chadwick "The ornamental grasses give it that extra wow factor, because you get a natural movement in the garden when the wind blows and a beautiful panoramic view when the sunlight catches on their feathers." Carolyn Chadwick Never forget impact of rocks in the landscape. The striking contrast of the delicate African lilies and the solid boulder adds weight to the garden. Carolyn Chadwick A point of interest in the garden is the monolithic rock dining set. The material was selected from a local stone masonry and delivered directly to the site. Carolyn Chadwick While the plants are showcased in this garden, the gridded system of gravel paths anchors it. Carolyn Chadwick Using curly rulers, Carolyn created sinuous paths that she mirrored throughout the garden to resemble the rhythmic pattern of the waves crashing against the cliffs below. Carolyn Chadwick The mass planting and Mediterranean palette give the garden a found appearance, and the walkways remind the visitor that this garden was, in fact, designed. Carolyn Chadwick What's so special about this space, is that while the colors were carefully selected and the paths methodically designed, it is lived in and treasured by all of the island's residents.

"I went to visit the garden last year and it really is magical... As all people who visit say, apparently."