Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden

Topiary and garden lovers dream! I love botanical gardens and topiaries in particular, so when I saw this garden featured in my Southern Living magazine, I had to see it. Luckily, it is only a couple of hours from home. Not only is the garden absolutely beautiful, the story behind it and Pearl are just as special! He is the sweetest man and I cannot wait to watch his documentary! Note to visitors: The gardens surround his home so do not be shy, there is a parking area directly across the street with a sign that clearly marks it. To the right of the house (looking at it from the parking area) is where the brochures are and where most begin their walk around the garden. It was a great place to bring our 4 year old, he ran around and wore himself out!

I never knew this place existed until a group that I am part of decided to make a mini day trip out here today. I did not know what to expect, as that the word «garden» is in the title and was expecting to go to an actual garden, not to someone’s home!
Essentially Mr. Fryer had decided to rescue some plants from nurseries and planted them at his house in the 1980’s as a hobby a create his own garden on his property. He has created many shapes out of old bushes on his property (and needless to say some of the other properties on his street have taken suit as well!). Did notice when going into Bishopville that some bushes have been created into designs as well (since Mr. Fryer has gained national attention with his garden). He has incorporated the words «Love» and «Peace» throughout his property. Did not know this until today, but there has been a movie made about home called «A Man Named Pearl». This is on my to watch list now.
During our visit, Mr. Fryer did come out as he needed to tend to his property. He went on about how much he gives back to the community (especially to students in the community that are considered only being «average»).
If you do go, make sure to park across the street on some of the vacant property (there is a sign indicating parking). Hours are Monday — Saturday 10 – 4 and no cost, but donations are appreciated!

Interesting wonder right off the highway in Bishopville, SC. It’s the kinda place you need to know exists, otherwise you’d miss it. Think Edward Scissorhands with southern charm.
I’ve driven by a few times but never have gotten out and walked around until this past wknd. Pearl, unfortunately, wasn’t outside but his wife was walking the grounds and greeting visitors. She made sure we had the latest brochures and calendars.
It’s always a treat to see the craftsmanship of Mr. Fryer. He makes his and the his neighbor’s yards look like a topiary museum.

It’s one of those things you just have to marvel at. Worth a day trip when you want to discover what people do with a dream.

He has expanded once again and now has beautiful restroom facilities. Take your camera and enjoy these gardens. Mr Fryar is truly one of those rare humans that makes you think this world still has hope. He is usually there working. Take a few minutes and let him tell you stories. He is as wonderful as his gardens.

Absolutely worth the trip off the beaten path. We visited in winter, and the website says that’s actually Pearl’s favorite season for viewing the garden, because the green of the topiaries contrast against the brown of the ground. Even on a gray, rainy day, his creations were simply amazing to see. So many intricate patterns, wonderful asymmetrical designs, and a sense of humor throughout the entire garden– holes cut through bushes, a utility pole coming out of the top of a tall pine tree, etc. Mr. Fryar’s found-​metal sculptures are also quite charming and placed throughout the garden. A really magical place– highly recommended.

Pearl is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and by far one of the most talented. We also saw «A Man Named Pearl» on HGTV and were blown away/​intrigued/​moved by his story and fabulous gardens.
When we went to Charleston, SC for our first anniversary we made Pearl’s Gardens a priority to see, even though they were like 2 hours or so away! But totally worth it.
You must see the Waffle House first, and then drive down to his 3.5 acre paradise of topiaries which is just up the road a little. Pearl will likely be there (since they surround his house) and he is friendly and talks to you and actually sells calenders with photos of the trees. We bought one of course!
I was so moved by our visit that I drew a thank you card for Pearl for being so kind to us. He also mentioned one of his goals is to get on Oprah, so hopefully he gets that opportunity this season!!!

I watched the movie «A man named Pearl» by chance this summer. The passion from this man blew me away. An incredible and inspiring story. I was so impressed with his vision that come fall and a lay-​off; I made a visit to his farm a priority. I stopped in Bishopville on Dec 6,2010, traveling from CT to my new GA home. It was a cold and blustery day, I arrived thru the driveway, and was welcomed by these unusually perfect geometric bushes. They looked plastic, but they are real! My favorite is the tree with the heart in it. All you feel is peace and love eminating from his trees. It was a wonderful visit.

After we saw the movie, «A Man called Pearl,» we knew we wanted to see his garden in person. Fortunately we got the chance to visit and we loved the garden and the message of Love, Peace, and Goodwill. The topiaries are so intriguing with their curves, angles, and the spaces he creates. I wish him well, his work is an inspiration and very uplifting.

Awesome news – this unusual man, Pearl Fryar, is being featured on HGTV this weekend in a special. I’m proud to have been the first Unilocaler to review this crazy folk art site here on the highway between Columbia and Charleston, and glad to see this incredible man is getting some well-​deserved attention for his creative spirit and generosity.
Here’s the details of the show on
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Great place to visit with kids and stop the Interstate driving boredom. So on your way to Myrtle Beach make sure to delight your artistic senses and meet 2 outstanding people at the Topiary Garden and the Button Museum. Here is a custom Google Map:
Take a virtual garden tour just in case you need more convincing…
Free admission, yet donations are always welcome. Park on the side of the road and tour the garden at your own pace. Keep in mind the «Garden» it’s pretty much Mr. Friar’s front and back yard so be respectful of his privacy.
My favorites were the triangle in front of the yard, the Indian arrow point like tree towering over the whole garden, the funny tree stomp decorated with a human face and the water wheel sculpture.

Definitely worth the visit. The huge garden is filled with twisted and geometric plant life. Dotted within the topiary, here and there are some sculptures made of reclaimed materials. Everything here is done with an intelligent and fine aesthetic, grand in some places and reserved when needed in others.

Pearl Fryar is a Bishopville hero; a former Disney employee who has transformed his dead end street into a mini-​tourist attraction just north of I-​20.
Park your car in front of his home and have a walk through impressive homemade topiary gardens. A donation box in the driveway helps fund his incredibly professional work. Tourists flock from neighboring towns, just to see what’s new with Mr. Fryar. While I was visiting; 2 – 3 other families were touring the area as well. No visiting hours are set, just feel free to show up whenever you like. The detail is such that it takes a good 20 – 30 minutes of sightseeing before you’re ready to hit the road.
Keeping up with his topiaries is a tedious task; Mr. Fryar is often seen trimming away. He loves to speak to curious onlookers.