It was cloudy when we pulled up to Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth (Newport County don’t ya know), but as any I-Phone camera afficiando will tell you, that’s some of the 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!), is indeed open for the season.

You can tour the grounds and check out the gorgeous wraparound porch: 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 snaps 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 entertaining. (For the record, in addition to throwing marvelous parties, Miss Brayton worked during the Great Depression to establish an organization in Fall River that supplied needy residents with groceries and clothing. She was also active with the Portsmouth chapter of the Red Cross and wrote several books on her favorite topics, namely gardening and local Rhody history.)

Anywho, it was she who during the 1947-48 season hosted a coming out party for the then Jacqueline Bouvier, the debutante who went on to ultimately become one of the most high profile and highly regarded First Ladies in our country’s history.

Also, Alice and her manse and gardens played host to other luminaries over the years, including another First Lady, one Mamie Eisenhower, who I just learned was pretty darn frugal when it came to feeding her family and hosting guests at the White House, even going so far as serving cakes made from boxed mixes. (Can you imagine Jackie doing that? No. Way.)

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 both Alice & Jackie would wholeheartedly approve of.

To get your tix to Green Animals, click here.

As always, if you find yourself there after reading this, please let everyone know your excursion was inspired by a PattyJ.com post.