Visiting Green Animals

Do you love gardens and old homes? If so, this post is just for you! Today we’re visiting Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth Rhode Island!

We took the boys on a little adventure to Rhode Island the other week and it was so lovely! We also went to Newport but I’ll share that in a separate post. I have so MANY PHOTOS just of this garden…

The day we went down was so sunny and warm, it could have been summer! Look how gorgeous it was – 70 degrees and so very sunny!

Let’s take a peek, shall we?

What is Green Animals Topiary Garden?

Green Animal Topiary Garden is part of the Newport Mansions and The Preservation Society of Newport County. It is the oldest topiary garden in the nation and boasts 35 flower beds, pathways, arbors, and fruit trees.

It’s open from Mid-April to Mid-October. We actually visited on the very last day.

More About Green Animals

This small country estate was purchased in 1872 by Thomas E. Brayton, treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company in Fall River. It consisted of 7 acres, with a clapboard summer home, out buildings and pastures. Gardener Joseph Carriero (superintendent of the property from 1905-1945) and his son in law, George Mendoca (superintendent until 1985) were responsible for creating the topiaries. The first topiaries were created in the estate’s greenhouse in 1912.

Mr. Brayton’s daughter, Alice, gave the estate its name because of the “green animal” topiaries. Green animals became her permanent residence in 1939. She was an avid gardener and entertainer and she hosted Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in her debut season and hosted her young children at parties years later. She enjoyed hosting other celebrities and politicians and opened up tours for the general public. Upon her death in 1972 at the age of 94, Miss Brayton left Green Animals to the Preservation Society of Newport so everyone can enjoy the property.

The views of the Narraganset are gorgeous from the Victorian home.

Why You’ll Love Green Animals

• Gorgeous Victorian home
• More than 80 topiaries
• Beautiful gardens and orchards

A Closer Look

I was actually worried that everything would look barren on the last day the grounds were open BUT I was pleasantly surprised.

Fall foliage was in full and vibrant color at the front of the home.

The gardens were lush! Dalias the size of saucers and succulent figs ready to be picked!

There’s a kind of magic here one could feel in the atmosphere. A playfulness and love of nature. It’s the perfect place to pack a picnic and linger!

I would have loved to go INSIDE the home but that part isn’t currently open to the public. Isn’t it a gorgeous home?!?

We were actually surprised by the number of the topiaries and the sheer size of them!

Our boys loved the giant bamboo while I swooned over the dahlias! I just can’t seem to grow them and these were spectacular!

We look forward to returning in the spring and seeing the daffodils and tulips. They are renowned for their display.

Let’s Stay in Touch!

Did you enjoy this post? If so, let me know! Be sure to pin this to remember Green Animals for later!

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