“astounding feats of artistry and horticulture”
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. Visitors to the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden experience a place that is alternately beautiful, whimsical, educational, and inspiring. Pearl’s garden contains over 300 individual plants and few are spared from his skilled trimming. His extraordinary topiary is complemented by his “junk art” sculptures placed throughout the garden. Pearl’s garden is a living testament to one man’s firm belief in the results of positive thinking, hard work, and perseverance, and his dedication to spreading a message of “love, peace and goodwill.”
Reviews
this was a very interesting and relaxing stop there's a place for parking and even with my RV we didn't see the box for where you could leave a donation but you're just free to walk around.
My boyfriend surprised me with this stop and it was well-worth the detour off the main road to visit. I love art and although I’m not usually fascinated by gardens, this one is special for sure. We pulled in and walked through the entire property. Pearl himself rode up to us several times on his tractor and talked with us about his sculptures and his garden. He speaks at colleges all over the place, including Harvard! The neighbors near him have taken notice of the attention his yard has gotten and they have stepped up their game as well. His message is solid “Peace Love & Goodwill” throughout. Definitely take the time to stop and say hello if you’re ever near this place! There is no charge for any of it, but there’s a donation box where you can leave cash which goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of the incredible garden. Two thumbs up. This place is a must-see!!!
This was a amazing stop we got to visit with Pearl and the energy of the garden was magical.
Pretty amazing, what one dedicated soul can do. The four of us that visited were all impressed with the place. Worth the drive. Parking available in a vacant lot across the street.
Stunning to see what one man accomplished! Most of the shrubs were cut whimsically which allow you to interpret the art behind them. Pearl greets each of his visitors and follows up with their thoughts after they finish viewing the garden.
Nice!
It is just a tad off the interstate and well worth a stop!
This place is AMAZING!!
Someone's yard. Most homes at end of the road have topiary yards. This one is just extra large, but not very well maintained or welcoming to visitors. Not worth the stop.
Mr. Fryar must be sick. Sadly the garden is now overgrown. You can still walk around & see what the shapes used to be, but nothing is trimmed anymore. 😢
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Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Hours
- Tue - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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