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Rhode Island’s Topiary Garden, Green Animals Topiary Gardens, Is A Work Of Art

Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is the oldest topiary garden in the U.S., featuring over 80 pieces of topiary art.

Published Feb 10, 2021

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Rhode Island is such a unique state, you really can't help but love it. While we don't have the magnificent mountain peaks or enormous waterfalls you'll find in some other states on the East Coast, we do have some bragging rights no other place could dream of. Our one-of-a-kind topiary garden is a prime example. This place adds a touch of magic and whimsy to any ordinary day, and it's truly a work of art.

You'll find the Green Animals Topiary Gardens in the charming and picturesque town of Portsmouth.

A lush garden featuring topiary elephants, neatly trimmed hedges, and vibrant greenery surrounding a white house.
scusan52 / TripAdvisor

This is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States.

It all started in 1872, when the property was purchased by Thomas E. Brayton.

A lush garden with a floral archway, surrounded by green hedges and trees under a clear blue sky.
Lisa Hesser / Google

Back then, it consisted of seven acres of land, a cozy summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture, and a spacious vegetable garden.

The topiaries came later, when Joseph Carreiro, who was superintendent of the property from 1905 to 1945, and his son-in-law George Mendonca decided to create them.

A whimsical topiary garden featuring a large, green rabbit and smaller animal shapes surrounded by lush greenery.
Ravindra V / TripAdvisor

Carreiro was an immigrant from the Azores who loved to experiment and create beautiful art.

These days, the Green Animals Topiary Gardens a peaceful, relaxing place, bordered by mature conifer and magnolia and situated within a pasture.

A serene garden path lined with flowers, leading to a fountain, framed by lush greenery and hanging cucumbers.
Patrick M / TripAdvisor

This gorgeous garden, which is open during warmer months only for obvious reasons, makes a beautiful day trip destination.

There are over 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens.

Topiary animals shaped from hedges in a lush garden, featuring a giraffe, elephant, and other whimsical forms.
KenG / TripAdvisor

These include birds, animals, geometric figures and designs. They're all sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood.

There is a small admission fee of $15.99 to explore the gardens.

A large topiary giraffe stands in a garden, surrounded by greenery and a white barn under a blue sky with clouds.
patriciaaal / TripAdvisor

Bring a lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables and make a day trip of it.

This delightful attraction can only be found in Rhode Island, and it's one of our most delightful attractions.

A topiary sculpture of a lion surrounded by colorful flowers in a lush garden setting.
MS06 / TripAdvisor

If you've never been, set aside a spring or summer day to enjoy it. Bring the family, but please leave pets at home.

Add a trip (or two) to the Green Animals Topiary Gardens to your to-do list this year. It's worth it.

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