If you are looking for a fun day-cation this spring, then Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Gardens, in Bishopville is a must see spot. Located about an hour from Columbia, this amazing garden is the work of one amazing man: Pearl Fryar.
Since the early 1980s, Pearl Fryar has created fantastic topiary at his garden in Bishopville, South Carolina. Living sculptures, Pearl’s topiary are astounding feats of artistry and horticulture. Many of the plants in Pearl’s garden were rescued from the compost pile at local nurseries. With Pearl’s patience and skilled hands, these “throw aways” have thrived and have been transformed into wonderful abstract shapes. Pearl Fryar and his garden are now internationally recognized and have been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, television shows, and even a documentary, A Man Named Pearl. Today, the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden draws visitors from around the globe.
Pearl Fryar
“After hearing of the racial stereotype that African American’s ‘don’t keep up their yards,’ Fryar became determined to be the first African-American in the town of Bishopville to win the coveted “Yard of the Month Award” from the local Gardener’s Club.” The beautiful garden is lined with nearly 300 different plants and “junk sculptures”, created by Pearl himself. Fryar is known in his community for his kindness and his positive thinking.
Info
Location
One mile north of I-20, Exit 116.
Admission
Donations accepted
Days and Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm
chappell.bill/Flickr
John Tyler Gingrich / Flickr
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
