On the Aegean island of Paros, off the coast of Greece, garden designer Carolyn Chadwick created a coastal garden with plantings designed to emulate the blue waves below.

To capitalize on the sea views from the house, Netherlands-based Chadwick created a series of undulating garden beds filled with plants such as lavender, cacti, and ornamental grasses that require little water even in a sunny, hot climate. With an emphasis on blue and white plants, the garden's colors echo the colors of the water on the horizon.

Photographs via Carolyn Chadwick.

Above: Overlooking the garden, the house has typical Greek whitewashed walls to reflect midday sun. To create the same look, see "DIY: Whitewashed Greek Walls."

Above: The unobstructed sea view, from the house.

Above: Agapanthus, a native of South Africa, is drought resistant.

Above: A stone terrace surrounded by blue, white, and purple flowers also has views of the sea.

Above: Smooth local rock creates a seating arrangement on the terrace.

Above: Paths of crushed stone edged with irregularly shaped rocks meander through the garden, where plantings are kept low to avoid blocking sea views.

Above: A rose thrives in the sun.

Above: Agapanthus buds, daisies, lavender and ornamental grasses.

Above: The front of the house, and garage, face inland, with a pergola-shaded terrace to provide shade. (For more seaside inspiration, see 145 images of Coastal Gardens in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.)