José Nunes Carreiro, the Azorean immigrant who developed the topiary gardens at Green Animals, was working at Sagamore Mill in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1905 when the company’s treasurer, Thomas Brayton, asked for volunteers to clean up the yard surrounding the mill. Impressed by Carreiro’s work, Brayton hired him to be the gardener at his estate in Portsmouth. Carreiro started by planting vegetable gardens and fruit trees, but around 1912, inspired by the topiary gardens of his native Azores, he began growing and training the animal-shaped shrubs that give the estate its name. In 1972, Brayton’s daughter, Alice, bequeathed Green Animals to the Preservation Society, which maintains the gardens as a true living legacy. Today, Green Animals Topiary Garden is open every day, so don't miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful grounds and fresh air. And bring your picnic basket! newportmansions.org/plan-a-visit/buy-tickets-memberships #NewportMansions #NewportRhodeIsland #...