Green Animals Topiary Garden

What is Green Animals Topiary Garden?

Green Animals Topiary Garden covers seven acres by Narragansett Bay. The grounds feature over eighty shrubs trimmed into animal forms, such as giraffes, bears, elephants, and birds, as well as geometric shapes. There are more than thirty-five formal flowerbeds, arbors for roses and grapes, fruit and vegetable gardens, and a greenhouse. The Victorian house on the property holds original furnishings and a small toy display. Visitors walk along paths bordered by clipped hedges and see both traditional and modern topiary styles.

The history of Green Animals Topiary Garden

The estate was bought in 1872 by Thomas E. Brayton as a summer home. In the early 1900s, gardener Joseph Carreiro began shaping shrubs into animal figures, starting with seedlings grown in the greenhouse. His work, continued by his son-in-law George Mendonca, gradually filled the garden with living sculptures. The garden's name, 'Green Animals,' was given by Alice Brayton, who lived there after her father. The Preservation Society of Newport County has managed the site since 1972.

What there is to see

Topiary animals are created by regularly trimming shrubs such as boxwood, California privet, and English yew. Some shapes take years to form, with careful hand pruning and, in some cases, hidden metal supports for stability. The greenhouse produces seedlings for planting, with flowers started in winter and vegetables in early spring. Cold frames made of concrete protect young plants before they are moved outdoors. The garden also includes orchards, cutting beds, and arbors.

When to go

Green Animals is open to the public and draws visitors interested in horticulture, history, and garden art. It hosts annual events, including a children's party that brings in hundreds of guests. The grounds and house have welcomed notable visitors over the years. Produce from the vegetable garden supports local food programs. The garden is maintained year-round, with seasonal displays and ongoing topiary care.

Parts and collections

The garden's topiary includes both animal and geometric forms, with older pieces made from boxwood and privet, and newer ones from yew. Some areas feature more formal plantings near the house, while sections developed in the 1970s show contemporary free-form shapes. The estate also has a rose garden, orchard, and gourd arbor, adding to the diversity of plants and styles.

Why Green Animals Topiary Garden matters

Green Animals is recognized as a historic garden and is noted for its unique collection of topiary in the United States. It has appeared in documentaries and hosted prominent guests. Ribbons for prize-winning dahlias and vegetables are displayed in the gift shop, reflecting its long horticultural tradition. The garden is maintained as a public site by a preservation society.

The flowers of Green Animals Topiary Garden

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many colours

Questions people ask about Green Animals Topiary Garden

Good reading and sources

• Green Animals Topiary Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data