Table of Contents: Greek Isles

Exuberant bougainvillea, bright flowering plants in terra cotta pots, whitewashed walls, and hammocks in the shade. We’re headed to the Greek Isles this week to explore exterior design that stands up to the sun and sea. Come join us:

Monday

• When the Greek developer Iasson Tsakonas bought a section of Antiparos, he had a singular vision: minimum impact on the existing landscape, while making room for eight houses, each with pool and sea view. How did he pull it off? We take a look at landscape architect Thomas Doxiadis’ solution in this week’s Landscape Architect Visit.

Tuesday

• A tranquil afternoon of gardening can deteriorate into a sweaty wrestling match if you have to manhandle 100 feet of synthetic rubber onto a hose holder. Our newest contributor (and avid gardener), Sarah Horowitz, rounds up sturdy and stylish hose reels with cranks in this week’s 10 Easy Pieces.

Wednesday

• How can you recreate a Mediterranean garden in your own backyard? Hint: those are cypress trees. Michelle and photographer Nicole Franzen spill secrets (and take in the view from the master bedroom of a very special kitchen garden) in this week’s Garden Visit.

Thursday

• How do Greek gardeners triumph over the heat and blistering sun? You can use some of their tricks in your own garden, come July. We’ll reveal all in this week’s 10 Garden Ideas to Steal.

Thursday

• How wide should a front path be? How do you make the materials match your house? Should it be straight or should it curve gently? Ellen gives us the full scoop in this week’s Hardscaping 101.

Friday

• Christine tracks down an Aegean blue front door (in a surprising locale); we tour the 500-square-foot art studio as our Outbuilding of the Week.