I have been reading with fascination this morning about Pearl Fryar, a South Carolinian gardener and artist who created an amazing garden.

When he moved to his Bishopville, South Carolina home over 20 years ago, he found he couldn’t live in the white neighborhood; the garden ladies wouldn’t have it.  They didn’t believe that black people would properly care for their yards. So Pearl moved to the black neighborhood and built a garden.  The ladies gave away a gardener of the month award for the most beautiful yard, and Pearl set about winning it.

by eclectio

Pearl’s topiary garden is now world famous, the garden conservancy is involved in preserving it, and it is open to the public for visits daily.  Pearl is retired from his day job now, and recently turned 70.  He is looking for a younger person who is interested in making a home near Bishopville, who he can teach his methods to and who can carry on his legacy.  Pearl estimates that all his work would disappear in 5 years without his maintenance.

If you are interested, Pearl has a facebook page, and a website where you can learn more about him, his garden and it’s future.

Oh – and you know topiary gardens are just as good in the winter…so if you need a fix, it would be a great place to visit this time of year.