Green Animals Living Art: A Singular Expression of Portuguese-American Cultural Traditions and Values

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Newport Mansions

Green Animals Living Art: A Singular Expression of Portuguese-American Cultural Traditions and Values
Holly Collins

Green Animals Topiary Garden (begun in 1907) is a singular creation. The landscape of this country estate on the shores of Narragansett Bay is a fusion of American and Portugese horticultural practices, the result of two generations of Portugese gardeners working in the gardens. This research report examines the historical evolution of the gardens at Green Animals, biographical essays on the key historical figures of the Braytons, who owned the estate, and the Carreiro and Mendoncas, who were the two generations of Portugese-American gardeners at Green Animals. The report also contains detailed information on the topiary forms in the garden.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.   Biographies...............................................................................................................1-17

              Thomas Edward Brayton
              José Carriero
             Alice Brayton
              George Mendonça

II.   Timeline of Events 1857-1997................................................................................18-22

III.  Individual Garden Elements at Green Animals..........................................................23-30

             Damask Rose Garden
             Fruit Trees & Espaliers
             Formal Garden
             Annual Display
             Herb Garden
             Arbors
             Giant Reed Grass
             Figs
             Dahlia Bed
             Berries
             Perennial Border
             Bamboo
             Cloverleaf
             Pet Cemetery
             Fish Pond
             Cutting Garden
             Vegetable Garden
             Compost Pile
             Significant Trees

IV. Structures.............................................................................................................31-33

             Main House
             Summer Kitchen
           Ice House
           Barn and Gardening Tools
           Caretaker’s Cottage
             Out Houses
            Lean-to Greenhouse
            Cold Frames
             New Greenhouse
             Head House

V. Topiary Documentation..........................................................................................34-82

             Garden entry
             Topiary border
             Formal Garden
             Upper Topiary Lawns
             Pet Cemetery, Cloverleaf and Chinese Gateway

VI. Early Garden Views........................................................................................... 83-85

VII. A Comparison of Garden Elements of São Miguel and Green Animals................86-99

VIII. Plant Lists: 1980 and 1983 brochures

IX.   Bibliography

X.     Appendix: A Collection of Carriero Family Photographs circa1920s.

The information contained in this report is the property of The Preservation Society of Newport County, and is protected by copyright laws. It is provided for your personal, non-commercial and educational use only. This material may not be copied, published, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or modified without the express written permission of The Preservation Society of Newport County.

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