The collection of breathtaking historic Gilded Age mansions, managed by The Preservation Society of Newport County in Rhode Island, will serve as the setting for numerous events throughout the year. Additionally, the recent opening of Green Animals Topiary Garden and its glorious displays of daffodils, tulips and whimsically shaped animals set the stage for a summer of fun at the historic structures.

Set along sparkling Narragansett Bay in Portsmouth, Green Animals — open daily — holds the title as the country’s oldest topiary garden, with a magical display of boxwood, yew and privet creatures, first created in the early 20^th century by Azores immigrant gardener Joseph Carreiro.

Guests can wander along the paths of the seven-acre property to admire the giant elephant, giraffe, bears, ostrich and other animals woven into a landscape of stunning garden displays. Coming up this summer, visitors can attend the annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff mansion, held June 17–19.

This year’s theme is Eden… A Personal Paradise, with planned events including a central exhibit honoring presenting sponsor Bartlett Tree Experts; botanical art exhibits of dried plants and flowers designed as fantasy necklaces and serpents preparing to strike; and plenty of food, drink, music and vendors offering gardening supplies.

From May 27 through Oct. 30, Rosecliff will also host Anything You Want: A Closer Look at Treasures from Newport’s Gilded Age, an exhibition exploring why people from that era wanted to possess certain items, ranging from mantel clocks to parlor cabinets, and what exactly it was that made these objects so alluring. Prefer to be outdoors? On Monday, Aug. 29, the Annual Golf Outing will be held at Newport National Golf Course in Middleton.