Thursday, September 16, 2021

Green Animals Topiary Garden - Portsmouth, Rhode Island

I have spent plenty of time in Newport, almost always stopping at the mansions to walk the grounds in the summer or see the mansions decorated for the holidays. The Green Animals Topiary Garden was always on my list but for one reason or another, we never made the trip. We were planning on visiting my grandparents in Fall River, a quick 15 minute drive from the gardens and the perfect opportunity to finally get out to the gardens.

f i r s t i m p r e s s i o n s

The gardens are in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (the top of the island, 25 minutes north of the Newport Mansions) so be prepared for a bit of a drive if you are coming from the mansions.

We enjoyed our visit and the lovely grounds. It's a great place to walk around (bring a picnic), relax, and enjoy the gardens and the view. The property has a large lawn that stretches right down to the water (Narragansett Bay). The topiaries are the main attraction and it is fun to walk around and try to identify the sculptures. The rest of the garden is also beautiful, with all different types of trees, shrubs, flowers, and even vegetables. There is a large Victorian house (closed to the public) with chairs on the shaded wrap-around porch to sit back and enjoy the views. The property also abuts a railroad where you can do one of those rail bike excursions too (extra fee).

I thought it was a bit pricey for the short amount of time you spend in the garden and the topiary area was smaller than we thought. At $20 a person, it was a bit steep for the hour we spent. If you are a member of the Newport Mansions/Preservation Society, admission is included in the membership (they offer student discounts and some great perks if you are in the area or visit often).

If you want to stretch your time at the garden, bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, in the chairs on the wrap-around porch, or one of the benches or picnic tables throughout the garden. Your ticket also gets you admission to the gardens and grounds of The Breakers, Marble House or The Elms. I would pair this visit with a trip to the grounds of the other Newport mansions (10 miles south) or, visit the nearby Greenvale Vineyards (6 miles southeast) or an afternoon at the Newport Polo grounds to watch a match (4 miles south)

Great spot for kids as they can play on the lawn, see the gardens, and enjoy being outside. Everything is outside so it is a safe place to be during the pandemic.

a b o u t

"In addition to more than 80 topiaries in the shape of animals and geometric designs, Green Animals is home to a remarkable array of flowering bulbs, perennials, annuals, and shrubs that bloom colorfully throughout the spring, summer and fall." Green Animals Topiary Garden

a d m i s s i o n s

Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, R.I.

Fees: $20 adults, $8 youth

You can purchase tickets online or at the property - no reservations are needed

The Green Animals Topiary Garden is included in the "Garden and & Grounds" ticket. This ticket includes outdoor-only access to any THREE of the following properties (exterior grounds only): Green Animals Topiary Garden, The Breakers, Marble House or The Elms. Does NOT include interior entry. The three properties can be visited on different days.

Picnic Baskets are welcome at all of the grounds