Jennifer Aniston’s Japanese Garden Is a Privacy Triumph – It’s the Smartest Way to Screen a Yard Without Blocking a Drop of Sunlight
Publish Date: 2026-04-25 05:00:00
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Ideally, our gardens should be private sanctuaries where we can relax and entertain away from prying eyes. For many gardeners, however, the reality is quite different – spending time outdoors can feel like living in a goldfish bowl when there is nothing to screen the plot from passers-by or neighboring windows. As we move into the bright, clear days of April 2026, finding that balance between seclusion and sunlight becomes a priority.
Jennifer Aniston’s Japanese-inspired garden, designed by Marcello Villano, is a perfect example of how to manage planting for privacy while ensuring plenty of natural light still enters your property. There are many options for creating a solid, natural screen using fast-growing trees, densely-leaved privacy shrubs, and perennials. Within a few years, these plants will knit together to form a deep green boundary.
It is important to remember that fast-growing plants can spiral out of control if not maintained, and their dense shade can prevent anything else from growing beneath them. While they work well for expansive landscapes like Aniston’s, smaller yards require more creative choices. Keeping plants pruned is essential, especially when preserving light is a factor.
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