In the axis of the central aisle of Clos Normand, Monet had a Japanese bridge built, inspired by the Japanese prints he collected. However, to stand out from the red traditionally used in Japan, he painted it green and adorned the surroundings of the pond with bamboo, ginkgos Biloba, maple trees, weeping willows, and water lilies that he painted from every angle. Monet was so proud of his water garden that he received his guests there and spent hours contemplating it. A gardener was even in charge of its full-time maintenance, removing every dead leaf to keep it looking perfect.