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

Jennifer Aniston
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air home is a design enthusiast's paradise – exhibiting exceptional mid-century style that feels curated and timeless. It's only fitting, therefore, that its exterior follows the same example.

The product of designer Marcello Villano's genius, Jennifer Aniston's garden is an immaculate, serene space shaped by global influences. Its landscaping is minimal, emphasizing foliage rather than flowers, meaning the color scheme is pared-back, contributing to the garden's un-chaotic nature.

'Marcello Villano's approach to landscape and garden design is truly inspired. A common thread in all of Marcello's work is his brilliant use of plants as living sculptures,' comments designer and horticulturist Nathan Heinrich.

'His restrained use of botanicals creates gardens that are both modern and timeless. I've always been in awe of how his signature style softens the modern architectural details of a structure. His gardens have a resort-like feel to them.'

When it comes to curating your garden landscaping ideas, like Jennifer, you will likely want to design a space that feels therapeutic. We can't all enjoy a space as architecturally impressive as hers, but we can still follow the same eco-friendly planting lessons.

'Regularly blending plant varieties native to the Mediterranean and Asian climates, in a way no one else ever has, Villano produced gardens that feel effortless and serene. One feels as though they've just stepped onto the set of an exotic White Lotus location in his whimsical landscapes,' Nathan says.

'Not only did Villano use beautiful plants in his designs, but he also used water-wise plants that are perfectly suited for arid environments. His was a sustainable approach years ahead of the modern garden trend of utilizing plants that require minimal watering.'

Plants that are adapted to long, dry summers and short, rainy winters are labeled 'Mediterranean-zone' plants, as Nathan explains. These plants, which thrive with little water, are often native to California (and southern Europe), and Jennifer's garden is the perfect inspiration point.

If you live in a similar climate and would like to choose some similar plants, California's Water Service recommends planting Agave, Blue Hibiscus, Rockrose, Mexican Bush Lobelia, and California Lilac, among other durable options. If you live in a different climate, you can still learn from Jennifer's minimal, resort-like aesthetic. Keep plant varieties cohesive, and your colors minimal, to create a zen-like space that resembles a luxury resort. You can also shop for our favorite lights and accessories, inspired by her garden, below.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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