Welcome to the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
This is the official website for the
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc.,
a nonprofit corporation in South Carolina.
The mission is to continue, support and preserve the artistic and horticultural legacy of Pearl Fryar, to encourage public appreciation of the garden, and to provide opportunities for artistic and educational enrichment and enjoyment.
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc. is a 501(c)(3). All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, see below.
Scheduled tours are available for 2023
The garden is open and free to all
( For hours and directions click below )
photo by Seth Johnson
Garden History
Pearl Fryar cleared a cornfield on his home property in Bishopville, SC in the early 1980's. Without any horticultural experience, he created a three-acre topiary garden that is stunningly beautiful, whimsical, educational, and deeply inspiring. Many of the plants in the garden were rescued from nursery compost piles. Pearl transformed discarded trees and shrubs into an arresting landscape of living plant sculptures.
The 2006 documentary film, A Man Named Pearl, premiered in New York City and was shown on national television. It still remains a favorite at garden festivals.
(To see the video trailer click below)
Pearl's driving focus has always been positive thinking, hard work, and perseverance. He has continually directed his extraordinary energy to uplift others.
Visitors to the garden behold over 400 expertly trimmed plants. This is his gift to the world.
photo by Seth Johnson
2020-2022 updates
A new nonprofit corporation was established. (The previous one was dissolved in 2018.) The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc. is working collaboratively to continue support and preservation of the artistic and horticultural legacy of Pearl Fryar.
Pearl continues a restorative healing process after three years of medical challenges. He remains positive and animated as always. Many thanks for the outpouring of prayers, well-wishing, and various support! In accordance with his world and spiritual views, Pearl sees an ever-changing cycle of events with all circumstances, and says, “Thank you for the love.”
Due to ongoing public health considerations, Pearl is not out in the garden in close proximity to others. He does sometimes greet and instruct visitors from his doorway.
The Ruth Foundation for the Arts has provided a generous grant in their inaugural funding launch.
The Pilot Club of Bishopville has also generously donated.
Plans are underway for other projects related to Pearl’s garden and legacy.
Meanwhile, the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden remains a beautiful and peaceful transition from the worldly bustle, a welcoming haven to all
Walking through the garden
Entering the hand-built concrete driveway, the hedgerows frame the Main Garden. Calling himself "a man who cuts up bushes", Pearl shaped all of the shrubs around his house.
The driveway island includes shrubs cut into the letters L-O-V-E.
Pearl created sculptures and fountains from scrap metal, fashioning his "junk art." Prominent words are featured: "Hate Hurts", "Peace", and "Love."
The fishbone tree is Pearl's signature tree shown in his logo, a seven-year project featuring a Leyland cypress.
The square tree, bird house tree, and mushroom-shaped trees are all live oaks.
photo by Dustin Shores
The sailing ships are enormous Hollywood junipers along the south hedgerow.
photo by Dustin Shores
Pearl's Garden with a Message is emblazoned with 8-foot high letters carved into the ground: LOVE PEACE & GOODWILL.
photo by Dustin Shores
May Pearl's message carry you into the New Year and beyond!
"I wanted to create a feeling so that you experience something different when you come to my garden.
Every individual can make a difference." - PEARL FRYAR
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc. is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3).
All donations are fully tax-deductible.