The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden — Attraction in Bishopville

This garden is a hidden gem. As I got closer, there is a sign on the right side of the road notifying me to turn at the next left. As I enter the street, I was greeted with some topiary on both side of the street. I entered a neighborhood where the topiary garden is located. Note, parking lot is a large grassy area facing the house/topicary garden in the left. To start the self guided tour, cross the street and go to the right side of the house when facing the house, and there is a station where you can get info and brochure on the garden. There is a donation box, and please make a donation. Mr Pearl is in his 80s and not able to maintain the grounds, and Mike is helping with maintenance including trimming the trees and bushes. Some topiary appeared to easily figure out. I think I saw a Cobra, swans, but many, if not all, are abstract art. Use your imagination. There are also creative art displays. For example, there were bells with chain decorating a dead tree, a fountain built with an old stove, etc... My appreciation for this park went hundred times after learning the story behind this park. We were blessed with running into Mike Gibby-Scissorhands Gibson, who shated the story with us. He was so informative and was so nice to stop what he was doing to talk to us and answered all our question. He said that Mr Pearl often sit outside to meet some visitors. The restrooms are on the right side of the house...

The garden is being restored currently. Mr. Fryar had some health issues over the years that won't allow him to do any more work in the garden. The garden had been overgrown and neglected for the past three years. Luckily there was a grant awarded to several organizations to bring in a Topiary Artist in Residence to help restore the garden. Keep coming back to check progress. More info can be found on the Pearl Fryar FB page.

The garden is still open and you can walk freely around the entire garden, including around the house. Parking is in the empty lot across the street. There's a sign that will tell you where to park. Start on the far right of the house where the mailbox is. Grab a brochure that will tell you about the garden in the barrel sculpture kiosk and it'll take you on a self guided tour. Please be respectful as the Fryars still live there, but they have always allowed you to walk freely around the almost 4 acres of wonderland. Although some of the trees are a bit overgrown, you can still see the vision of Pearls and his artistic expression. The garden will be restored in the next coming months, so continue to visit and donate. Visit the Pearl Fryar FB page for more information and how you can donate to help preserve the garden. There are several news articles out now that can also explain more about the grant and the...

One can't truly appreciate this garden without including the film about it "A Man Named Pearl". When you put this gentlemen's humble beginnings in perspective, then the beauty of this garden goes way beyond "nice shrubberies". I have only visited once, and did not to meet 'the man', but I will be returning soon with hope of shaking his hand. We spent about an hour walking around the grounds. There isn't a set path, or even a 'theme'. It represents whatever inspires Pearl to try something new, or beautiful. This makes each twist and turn another pleasant surprise. Be sure to put a few bucks in the donation box out front. The garden is very easy to access from the interstate, and you may wish to include a drive through the local community. While many of the businesses are boarded up, Pearl's work is featured along the streets. Out near the interstate there is a Waffle House where Pearl swaps topiary work for free breakfast. Ask for the Pearl special. We drove up from Columbia, and it made a very easy morning trip (before it gets to hot). Lunch at the Waffle House, and off to...