Camel and elephant
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Green Animals Topiary Garden

4.5
·838 reviews·Portsmouth, United States

Discover the oldest topiary garden in the U.S., featuring over 80 whimsical animal-shaped shrubs and stunning Narragansett Bay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-July

Peak flower bloom

CrowdMedium
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Camel and elephant

Green Animals Topiary Garden

Best Time

Mid-July

Peak flower bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the oldest topiary garden in the U.S., featuring over 80 whimsical animal-shaped shrubs and stunning Narragansett Bay views.

4.5
(838 reviews)

"A charming, whimsical wonderland perfect for garden lovers and families, offering unique sculpted art and serene coastal vistas."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! This garden is a dream for photographers, with whimsical shapes and beautiful blooms.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be strolling through 7 acres, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the nooks and crannies.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 838 reviews

Type

Garden

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whimsical Topiary Animals

Whimsical Topiary Animals

Throughout the garden

Discover over 80 sculpted shrubs shaped into playful animals and geometric forms. A true living wonderland!

Narragansett Bay Views

Narragansett Bay Views

Waterfront edge of the garden

Enjoy sweeping vistas of Narragansett Bay from various points within the garden. Perfect for a peaceful moment.

Vibrant Flower Gardens

Vibrant Flower Gardens

Various garden beds

Explore colorful flower beds, including daffodils and tulips, that add bursts of color to the sculpted greenery.

The Bamboo Grove

The Bamboo Grove

Specific section of the garden

Wander through a unique and serene bamboo section, offering a different textural and visual experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Peak Bloom

Visit during peak flower season, typically mid-July, for the most vibrant displays. While the topiaries are charming year-round, the gardens truly shine with blooming flowers. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos.

Ticket Value and Garden Size

While some find the $25 admission pricey for the garden's size, others see it as a worthwhile experience, especially for garden enthusiasts. Consider purchasing a bundle ticket if you plan to visit other Newport Mansions to maximize value.

Best Times

When
Mid-July
Why
Peak flower bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Daffodils & tulips
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth, RI. A charming animal shaped topiary garden; I loved the designs, but $25 felt pricey and the grounds were smaller than I expected. #RhodeIsland #topiary #travel #gardening #gardens
@juju_in_newengland
67 likes • 2.3K views

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! This garden is a dream for photographers, with whimsical shapes and beautiful blooms. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be strolling through 7 acres, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the nooks and crannies. Reddit

a new fav spot in rhode island! 🌸🌻💐🌷🌼 #hittherhodewithme #rhodeisland #greenanimalstopiarygarden #greenanimals #portsmouthri #aquidneckisland
@sarah.frank
3.3K likes • 32.9K views
Delightfully whimsical for guests of all ages, Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is the perfect spot to let your imagination run wild! 🌿 The oldest topiary garden in the nation dating back to the early 20th century, Green Animals is home to more than 80 topiary animals and other figures, along with colorful gardens, walkways, arbors, and flower beds blooming from May – Oc...
travelikealocalma
6.8K likes • 269.1K views

🧺 Picnic Potential

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns overlooking the bay. TikTok

🎟️ Bundle Ticket Value

If visiting other Newport Mansions, a bundle ticket can offer better value than a single entry. Instagram

🌿 A hidden topiary garden in Rhode Island? Yes, it exists — and it’s straight out of a storybook.⁠ ⁠ Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, RI, is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States.⁠ ⁠ It’s home to over 80 sculpted trees and shrubs — from elephants and giraffes to teddy bears and birds — all shaped by hand over decades.⁠ ⁠ Originally a summer home for the Brayto...
newport.mansions
1K likes • 18.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! This garden is a dream for photographers, with whimsical shapes and beautiful blooms. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be strolling through 7 acres, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the nooks and crannies. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Potential

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns overlooking the bay. TikTok

🎟️ Bundle Ticket Value

If visiting other Newport Mansions, a bundle ticket can offer better value than a single entry. Instagram

🧸 Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt

Kids often enjoy scavenger hunts to find all the different topiary animals. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(838 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find Green Animals Topiary Garden a charming and unique addition to a Rhode Island trip, especially for garden enthusiasts and families. While some find the admission price a bit high for the garden's size, many appreciate the whimsical topiaries, beautiful flower displays, and serene waterfront views. The garden is often described as a peaceful escape and a photographer's delight.

"A fun addition to our trip to Newport. As garden fans, we enjoyed this spot immensely. We even went back the next day to snap some photos of geraniums we couldn’t stop thinking about."

Amanda Russell

"Such a beautiful garden. Mid July I'm told is peak season for the flowers. We will definitely return next year!"

Charlotte

"Beautiful afternoon walking. Benches spaced well . Lots to see . A delight for the senses .We were not told we could tour the home. Bathrooms not handicapped assemble. Enjoyed the bamboo section.Lked the floral colors and varieties."

Mary Cain

What People Like

Whimsical topiary animals
Beautiful flower gardens
Peaceful waterfront views

What People Dislike

Admission price
Garden size
Topiary realism variation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, between Bristol and Newport. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with visits to other Newport Mansions. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Green Animals Topiary Garden is located in Portsmouth, RI, which is very close to Newport. It's often visited as part of a Newport Mansions tour. Instagram

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Green Animals Topiary Garden. Public transportation options are limited in this area. TikTok

If you are staying in Portsmouth, it might be walkable depending on your location, but most visitors arrive by car. TikTok

Yes, the garden is part of the Newport Mansions collection, and other historic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House are nearby in Newport. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically around $25 per person for a single entry. Bundle tickets are available if you plan to visit multiple Newport Mansions. Instagram+1

Tickets can usually be purchased online through the Newport Mansions website or at the garden entrance. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and purchasing options. TikTok

Bundle tickets for multiple Newport Mansions often provide a discount. Check the Newport Mansions website for any seasonal promotions or special offers. Instagram

The garden is seasonal, typically opening in mid-April and closing in October. Hours vary, so it's best to check the official Newport Mansions website for current operating times. TikTokInstagram

While reservations are not always mandatory, it's advisable to check the Newport Mansions website, especially during peak season, to ensure entry and avoid disappointment. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

Absolutely! The whimsical topiary shapes, colorful flowers, and waterfront views make it a photographer's paradise. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon generally offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. TikTok

Occasionally, special exhibits like Lego sculptures have been featured, adding an extra layer of fun, especially for families. Instagram

Yes, children often enjoy the playful animal shapes and can participate in scavenger hunts to find them. TikTokInstagram

It's described as peaceful, charming, whimsical, and like stepping into a storybook or a real-life Alice in Wonderland. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no on-site dining facilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the grounds. TikTok

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are plenty of open spaces and benches to relax and enjoy a meal with a view. TikTok

Yes, the nearby towns of Portsmouth and Newport offer a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. TikTok

Portsmouth offers a range of dining, often featuring fresh seafood and New England classics. Newport has a more extensive culinary scene. TikTok

It's recommended to either pack a picnic or plan to dine before or after your visit, as there are no food services within the garden itself. TikTok

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