One Of The Finest Topiary Gardens In The US - Green Animals Topiary Garden

The Green Animals Topiary Garden property, overlooking Narragansett Bay in Portsmouth, Rhode Island was purchased in 1872 by Thomas Brayton, Treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company in Fall River, Massachusetts. The small estate consisted of seven acres, a white clapboard house, farm outbuildings and vegetable garden. In 1905, Thomas hired Portuguese gardener Joseph Carreiro, who created the formal gardens and most of the present topiaries. George Mendonca took over the gardens in 1945 and continued to develop new topiaries and gardens until his retirement in in 1985. Thomas summered here until his death in 1939, when the estate was inherited by his daughter, Alice, and she used this as her permanent residence in 1940. When Alice died in 1972, she left the property to The Preservation Society of Newport County and is now open to the public. Today the highlight of the garden are the whimsical topiary sculptures which are the heart of the garden’s magic.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The 2 1/2 story Victorian summer residence was originally built for Amasa Manton of Providence in 1860's.

Alice Brayton entertained Jacqueline Kennedy and her children as well as the Eisenhower family here.

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The Victorian-style home

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Green Aminals remains one of the finest topiary gardens in the country.

The arches

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The fantastic flower gardens contains daffodils, tulips, other flowering bulbs, perennials, annuals and shrubs that bloom from spring until fall.

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The fish pond dates back to the 1920's and was renovated in 2003.

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The bears

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The garden offers a tranquil escape, with its well-manicured paths.

The giraffe

What you should know:

• There are walking trails.

• Public restrooms are available.

• Tickets can be purchased on-line or in person.

• Open seasonally, check website for days and hours of operation.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day exploring here.

• One price includes parking and garden entrance.

• People are friendly and helpful.

Location: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871

For more information: Green Animals Topiary Garden