Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden pond is one of the most beneficial elements a yard can have – it is so easy to replicate
No matter how big or small, adding a pond to your garden will prove invaluable for wildlife


Add a pond to your garden and it will not only enhance your outdoor space, but it will introduce a favored spot for calm moments and quiet contemplation. This was the idea behind actress Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden with koi pond. Originally designed by Hal Levitt, a sensory garden with a pond is a must-have as it's the best place to immerse yourself in nature.
A well-planted, well-maintained garden pond doesn't just look good – it's also beneficial to all sorts of wildlife. Over the last century, a large portion of ponds have been lost from the countryside, meaning that man-made garden ponds have an increased importance for wildlife.
A pond attracts and supports a wide range of aquatic species, and its margins will provide food and shelter for frogs and other creatures, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies, which bring life to the garden.
A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on
Water is an integral part of the traditional Japanese garden. Adding a water feature is a wonderful garden decor idea that brings an extra dimension to the garden, providing a focal point and lending a sense of peace and tranquillity.
With such a big focus on biodiversity in garden design at the moment adding a garden pond has never been more topical. The planting in and around it is vital to the overall effect of the water itself. There are many benefits to adding pond plants. They not only create a stunning feature but also help maintain the water quality, keeping it well-aerated, clean and clear.
Classic and iconic, no pond should be without water lilies. They are available in a range of colors including white, pink, purple and yellow, and also come in various sizes that will suit any sized pond. They have beautiful flat, round leaves and large showy flowers that sit on the surface of the water.
As with any pond or water feature ideas, the first decision to make is where to position them. This may then dictate the options open to you in terms of what will work with the rest of your space. Aniston has chosen to introduce her water element in her front yard. This might seem like an unusual option, but the tranquility associated with water in Japanese culture means that Aniston and her guests will feel calm on entrance to the Beverly Hills home. It is an inspired choice.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
A post shared by Stephen Shadley (@stephenshadley)
A photo posted by on
The landscaping around the pond is just as important as the pond itself and often includes at least one garden path idea, walkways, bridges, and gates.
'Pathways are used in Japanese gardens to help the body and soul to wander,' says gardener David Domoney. 'Most Japanese gardens feature decorative paths, walkways and bridges that meander to unseen areas of the garden.'
Many Japanese gardens have gates that aren’t intended as physical barriers. A gate or bridge can give visitors a sense of discovery and will make a garden feel bigger by dividing it into zones. Each area should be subtly concealed from the next, yet there should also be a sense of connectivity and harmony.
While wanting to create a zen garden is a universal thought, ultimately one should never borrow from another culture without truly understanding its significance throughout history.
The classical Japanese garden is a landscape, artificially contrived, and redolent of symbolism. Contour and contrast are everything; color is unimportant, except for a small accent. The purple is the only colorful aspect of Aniston's space.
Instead, the garden is an extension of the house, and the patio is a platform from which to view the landscape and contemplate its meaning.
Shop the look
Presenting a picture akin to Monet’s Water Lilies, this garden pond plant is a classic option for any space. These water lilies have beautiful flat, round leaves and large showy flowers that sit on the surface of the water.
Ideal for small gardens, Frogbit is a sweet and attractive floating plant that looks a little like a tiny water lily. Frogbit is also easy to grow. It prefers still water, just like lilies. Its small lily-pad-like leaves grow out in a rosette from the center and can form attractive rafts that are great for providing shade in the water and hosting plenty of aquatic life.
Flag Iris are beautiful, tall plants that can help add a wow factor to your pond as pond plants. Always choose native plants where possible as part of your permaculture gardening practices as these are more likely to grow in your climate – and less likely to become a problem over time.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for several years in both the US and UK, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing and occasionally dabbles in the social media, commercial, and the e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling houses designed by some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances, and even writing a few news stories or two.
-
I tried a three-month clothes-buying ban to reduce clutter – it taught me a crucial lesson about my hoarding and saved me nearly $500
Plus, it has drastically changed how I see my shopping habits
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
5 kitchen styles going out of fashion in 2025, according to interior designers who've seen it all
The styles to avoid if you want your kitchen to feel timeless
By Molly Malsom Published
-
This retro-style label-maker is one of Jennifer Aniston's 'favorite things' – she uses this unexpected accessory to keep her home organized
The actress revealed that a Brother P-touch label maker is one of her essential buys, which has just become our spring cleaning must-have
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's 'resort-like' garden landscaping was 'years ahead' of a modern planting trend – designers say the result is effortless and serene
In the actress's garden, designer Marcello Villano blended plant varieties in a way that ' no one else ever has' – her landscape is contemporary yet whimsical
By Megan Slack Published
-
This 'dated 00s color trend' made Jennifer Aniston, Vanessa Hudgens, and Meg Ryan's decor look so chic – and it has made me rethink using it myself
Don't resign gray to the history bin. This sultry shade goes with every color and can be used to add depth and elegance to any room
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kylie Jenner experiment with an unconventional seating trend that makes their living rooms feel 'effortlessly cool'
A statement furnishing unites an increasing number of celebrities – experts say it introduces 'a little whimsy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of personality'
By Megan Slack Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's deep soaking tub is a zen focal point in her outdoor bathroom – it perfects a growing trend with wellness benefits
The actress's backyard features a marble soaking tub and lush greenery, instantly elevating the area with luxe materials and calming plants
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston has several of these Swedish-designed candles all over her home – she says the scent 'lingers around' long after putting it out
Aniston has revealed that she keeps this floral-woody Byredo candle around her home (and movie trailers) – and it's a celebrity favorite
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston transformed a kitchen corner into a coffee nook – it turns an awkward space into a social setting and is suprisingly easy to replicate
Aniston has made use of extra counter space and floating shelves to display her espresso maker, milk frother, and coffee accessories
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's luxury shower perfects a wellness trend that brings a 'spa-like atmosphere' to your bathroom – but it can cost up to $25,000
Showers like Aniston's can improve circulation, reduce stress, and improve skin health – these luxury features are changing how we design for 2025, experts say
By Megan Slack Published