Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the United States. It has over 80 different topiary. The shapes range from birds and animals to geometric figures and ornamental designs. English Boxwood, California Privet and Yew are used for the sculptures.
When I get the chance to go to Green Animals, I'm as excited as a little girl going to Disneyland! This property is about as close to perfection as you can get. It has a lovely white antique house with a wrap-around porch overlooking Narragansett Bay. I would be in heaven if I could just grab a cool minty Mojito, sit myself down in a rocking chair and watch the sailboats go by all afternoon. If that isn't heavenly enough, walk along the wide gravel path surrounded by meticulously trimmed green archways and make your way to the gardens.
(Click on the photos to enlarge)
“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles
and get excited about the privileges of simply being human” - Tom Hansel
If you are as moved by beautiful landscaping as I am, you may find yourself getting choked up at the loveliness of these gardens. When you consider the time, effort and planning it has taken to achieve these results, you know that the folks working and volunteering at Green Animals must love every moment of their effort. All their efforts have produced magical results in the luscious, colorful plantings and playful topiaries in the gardens.
Gardener Joseph Carreiro and his son-in-law George Mendonca were both superintendents of the property and were responsible for creating the topiaries. Their family managed the property for 80 years; starting in 1905 until 1985! What a wonderful family creation. I can just imagine the grandchildren visiting and looking in wonder as they are told "Your Grandfather made these green animals!"
If you love topiaries, marvel at these!
Just love the Bear!
Now on to the flowers and plantings...
Blue Hydrangeas are always a favorite
This photo really demonstrates the lushness
in the layering of the plantings.
A New England couple
working in their garden!
Love the archways and covered paths!
Just breathtaking from every perspective!
See the little bird? It was like he was posing for his picture!
Exploring Green Animals topiary garden is a wonderful way to lose yourself for an afternoon. The gardens are extraordinary and impeccably maintained with layers of colorful plantings. The property is owned by the Newport Preservation Society and is located in Portsmouth, RI. If you are interested in exploring Green Animals, I have included a link to information below.
http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/green-animals-topiary-garden
One last photo of the house and gardens...
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! If you have any suggestions for improvement, I'd love to hear from you.
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2 comments :
This place is gorgeous! I've never heard of it, so glad you posted about it. I showed it to my husband and he kind of sighed, knowing that I would get too many ideas and that would mean more work for him!
joan
p.s. so glad you changed your comment section. I tried to leave a comment before, but it was trying to make me set up an account. this is much easier!
Oh Joan, you will LOVE Green Animals! Your husband will also be inspired. It's only another 45 minutes to the Newport Mansions, so you'll need to take those in as well. Haha. Now your husband is really going to be mad at me!
Very sorry! I had no idea about the issue with the comments. Explains why I wasn't getting them! I just had my blog updated and she must have fixed it for me. It's a work in progress. :-)
Have a great day and thank you for stopping by!
Christine
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