It was cloudy yesterday when we pulled up to Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, but as any I-Phone camera afficiando will tell you, that’s some of the absolute best weather for photo taking.

Yes, GATG, the 7 acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay that boasts the oldest topiary garden of its kind in the whole entire country (and more!), has opened back up to the public as part of The Preservation Society of Newport’s “Stroll The Gardens & Grounds” experience that they rolled out last month. (For $18, and $8 for a kid’s ticket, you get access to not only GATG but also the lawns and gardens at The Elms and The Breakers.)

You can tour the grounds and check out the gorgeous wraparound porch, just be sure to mask up and maintain proper social distance from other visitors because, you know, the pandemic.

If, like me, you’ve been anxiously awaiting their reopen, or maybe (gasp) you’ve never been, now is indeed the time. It’s a completely charming way to spend an hour or three this month.

With all of this in mind, thought I’d share some images from our Sunday afternoon there as well as a few fun facts about the property that you may not be aware of.

Like the forgotten Jackie O. connection.

Okay, so Alice Brayton (the daughter of Thomas E. Brayton, who purchased the property back in 1872 as a summer place for his family) apparently LOVED to entertain.

And it was she who during the 1947 to 48 season hosted a coming out party for the then Jacqueline Bouvier, the debutante who went on to meet and marry the gentleman who would become the 35th President of the United States, and ultimately become one of the most high profile and highly regarded First Ladies in our history.

Also, Alice and her manse and gardens played host to other famous people over the years, including another First Lady, one Mamie Eisenhower, who I just learned was quite frugal when it came to feeding her family and entertaining guests at the White House, even going so far as serving cakes made from boxed mixes.

In addition to the topiaries, scenic paths and flower gardens, there are also herb and vegetable gardens on the property where over one thousand pounds of veggies a year are grown.

Every last one is then donated to a variety of local charities that benefit women and children, something Jackie would definitely approve of btw.

To get your tix to Green Animals, click here.