Green Animals Topiary Garden photo
ParkRhode Island, US

Green Animals Topiary Garden

Green Animals Topiary Garden is America's oldest and most northern topiary garden.

About

Green Animals Topiary Garden is America's oldest and most northern topiary garden. This enchanting seven-acre estate, overlooking the tranquil Narragansett Bay, transforms ordinary shrubs into an extraordinary living art exhibit, delighting visitors with its charming menagerie of more than 80 sculptured trees. It's a whimsical landscape where imagination takes root, offering a unique blend of horticultural artistry and serene coastal beauty.

Beyond the captivating topiaries, the garden also features vibrant floral displays with thousands of flowers blooming from May through October, alongside geometric pathways, a rose arbor, grape arbor, fruit trees, and an extensive vegetable and herb garden. Key highlights include iconic animal shapes like teddy bears, a camel, a giraffe, an ostrich, an elephant, and even a unicorn and a Rhode Island Red rooster, all meticulously sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. The on-site Victorian Brayton house, built in 1872, offers a glimpse into the estate's history.

A visit to Green Animals Topiary Garden is an unforgettable journey into a verdant fantasy, where every turn reveals a new green creature or a burst of color. It's a place to marvel at the patience and skill of horticulturalists, find joy in the playful forms, and appreciate the stunning views of the bay. Whether you're a garden enthusiast, a family with curious children, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this unique garden provides a memorable experience that feels straight out of a storybook. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.

The Green Animals Topiary Garden's history began in 1872 when Thomas E. Brayton, treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company, purchased the seven-acre estate in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, as a summer retreat. The property included a white clapboard summer residence, outbuildings, pasture, and a vegetable garden, all with a commanding view of Narragansett Bay. The garden truly took shape under the care of gardener Joseph Carreiro, an immigrant from Portugal, who was hired around 1905. Carreiro, with his family's background in botanic gardens in the Azores, transformed the property into a living sculpture museum, creating the first topiaries in 1912. His daughter, Alice Brayton, inherited the property in 1940, named it "Green Animals," and made it her permanent home, often entertaining Newport's elite, including Jackie Bouvier Kennedy. Upon her death in 1972 at the age of 94, Miss Brayton bequeathed Green Animals to The Preservation Society of Newport County, ensuring its continued beauty and accessibility to the public.

What to do here

Wander through the various garden "rooms," identify your favorite green animals, explore the historic Brayton House museum, and enjoy a picnic on the sprawling lawn with bay views. Maps are available to help identify the different topiaries.

Seasonal info

Spring (May-June): Expect thousands of daffodils and tulips in bloom, along with newly trimmed topiaries.

Summer (July-August): The garden is in full bloom with a wide variety of annuals and perennials. Topiaries are at their greenest.

Fall (September-October): Enjoy late-season blooms, cooler weather, and the rich textures of the mature topiaries.

Accessibility

Green Animals Topiary Garden is **not wheelchair accessible** in all areas, as it features dirt paths and some parts may have stairs. Visitors are advised to check with the Preservation Society of Newport County for specific accessibility concerns.

Don't miss

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The more than 80 animal topiaries are the main attraction, including elephants, giraffes, teddy bears, a camel, an ostrich, a unicorn, and a Rhode Island Red rooster. Don't miss the vibrant flowerbeds, the charming Brayton House, and the scenic views of Narragansett Bay from the meadow.

Wildlife you might spot

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Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring dirt paths and extensive grounds.

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the lawn overlooking Narragansett Bay, as picnicking is welcomed.

Download the free Newport Mansions audio tour app on your smart device before visiting for a self-guided experience.

Purchase a multi-property pass if you plan to visit other Newport Mansions, as it can offer savings and doesn't expire.

Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the views of Narragansett Bay and the vibrant colors of the garden.

Frequently asked questions

Green Animals Topiary Garden is home to more than 80 topiary animals and other figures, making it a truly unique collection.
No, Green Animals Topiary Garden is generally not wheelchair accessible in all areas, as it contains dirt paths and some sections may have stairs.
The topiaries at Green Animals Topiary Garden are primarily sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. The geometric shapes are mainly boxwood, while some older topiaries from the 1940s were made from privet due to its faster growth.

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