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Who is Pearl Fryar... Art According to Him

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Story of the Man and His Topiary Art


Let me introduce you to a man named Pearl Fryar of Bishopville, South Carolina. Bishopville is located in Lee County known the 'The Garden Spot of the Carolinas'. Pearl is considered to be the finest topiarist in the USA. He is someone that carved out his niche in the world of topiary gardening. He started his art at the ripe age of 40 yrs. old. No simple feat for someone with no education or background in horticulture. His story is inspiring to me and I hope you will feel the same.
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Pearl Fryar photo courtesy of Shadow Distribution

Overview of Lens Contents

  1. Martha Stewart on Pearl Fryar
  2. Latest You Tube Video on Pearl Fryar
  3. More About Pearl
  4. WHAT IS A TOPIARY?
  5. Pearl Fryar and John Deere, a Perfect Match
  6. Pearl Fryar on You Tube
  7. Plants Found In Pearl Fryar's Garden
  8. The Cyclops
  9. Shapes of Love
  10. One Masterpiece in a Sea of Many
  11. Many reasons to love Pearl Fryar
  12. Pearl Fryar Videos
  13. Pearl Fryar On the Move
  14. Pearl Fryar on HGTV
  15. PEACE, LOVE, AND GOODWILL
  16. Quotes and Words of Wisdom from Pearl
  17. Pearl Fryar is Recognized by His Community Once Again
  19. Links to more information on Pearl Fryar
  20. Pearl Fryar Familiarity Poll
  21. Other Reasons to Visit Bishopville South Carolina
  22. Shout Out For Pearl Fryar!
  23. Great Pearl Fryar DVD from Amazon
  24. I've Been Reviewed By Grow Wear

Martha Stewart on Pearl Fryar

Pearl Fryar has been showcased by the Queen of green, Martha Stewart!

Pearl Fryar video on Martha Stewart show

Latest You Tube Video on Pearl Fryar

Pearl C's Potential in Students

See this great video on Pearl's scholarship fund for average C students. His foundation is called The Pearl Fryar Community Scholarship Fund. It was provided to me by film director, Kimberly Townes. The film was funded produced at UCLA and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks Kimberly. The Internet is so wonderful, you never know who is reading your material.

NOTE: For those who wish to make a donation to the scholarship fund, you can mail check to:

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden. PO Box 1111, Bishopville, SC. 29010.
Please write in the note/memo line "Scholarship fund".

By doing so, the donation be restricted so that it can only be used for scholarships. It will also be tax deductible. Soon Pearl's website will be accepting online donations. I will post the information when that occurs.
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More About Pearl


Pearl once stated, "According to the book I would have thrown it out, but I didn't know anything about the book," "I didn't even know what topiary was." The most education he received was a three minute overview on a small topiary plant he purchased. Amazingly done freehand with no forms to start his fascinating works of art. He is known internationally in the world of gardens and art. His story is an example of what can happen when you try something new and discover hidden talent beyond imagination. For the past 25 years, he has taken the world of topiaries to heights never imagined before. Starting by taking plants no one, not even the professionals thought were anything more than trash. Transforming them into a work of art through a labor of patience, love and determination. He looked at the potential of the plant and nurtured each one. He has taken risks and developed new techniques to tame trees. He has been featured in the documentary: 'A Man Named Pearl'. Thousands visits his garden yearly. There are 150 topiaries on his three acre property, comprised of 400 different plants. His topiaries can be seen all around Bishopville. He started with the 'Yard of the Month' award to numerous articles in national newspapers and magazines and appearances on national television. Recently Pearl's Topiary Garden has been designated a Preservation Project of the Garden Conservancy.

WHAT IS A TOPIARY?

Definition and Some History Behind this Fascinating Plant



The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press:

topiary work , pruning and training of shrubs and trees into ornamental shapes, used in landscape gardening. Elaborate topiary work in which trees and shrubs are clipped to resemble statuary (e.g., birds, nymphs, urns) or are planted to form mazes or intricate geometrical patterns was once popular but now can be seen only in old-fashioned or specialized private gardens or in formal parks and botanical displays. Arborvitae, box, privet, and yew are among the plants most used for topiary gardening.


The origin of the Topiary dates from Roman times.....where the first written history on the topiary is found. Some believe it may have come from earlier times of Asian and Mediterranean culture. By the conclusion of the 1st century topiary was found among the wealthy. The Roman Empire spread worldwide and the art of topiary with it.

During Medieval Times only the castle grounds of monasteries contained topiaries.

During the Italian Renaissance the wealthy had topiary gardens for pleasure. Also it reflected their power and wealth. The style of topiary used during this period reflected prior classical times.

The country of France mostly used box hedges. Using topiary to emphasize architecture and structural design. King Louis XIV gardens had complex box patterns and hedges that stretched for many miles. As a show of the Monarch's absolute power over the people and the land.

In the 16th and 17th century topiary in England Tudor Knot Gardening (low intricate dwarf hedging) coexisted with traditional hedges. Ornamental and bizarre topiary become popular.

The Netherlands wealthy Dutch merchant class brought new plants from their travels worldwide. Land was scarce so gardens were done on a smaller scale.

'Topiaries Golden Age' arrived after William of Orange came to Holland for the British throne. He brought the tradition of topiary and it found a place with the tradition of English gardens. Dutch style gardens were seen as fashionable and spread over Europe.

In 1712 Joseph Addison, a writer and philosopher led The English Revolt against the extremes of topiary gardening done by the wealthy and powerful. He believed plants should be seen in their natural state not mathematical figures. Alexander Pope agreed with this in his own writings against this art form.

Topiary found gradual popularity again the 19th century with Italian design. But with a more balanced view, hedges placed in closer proximity to the residence. Rather than the extreme styles seen in previous eras.

In the USA topiaries appeared in the 18th century using the with European formality. Today some of the most beautiful gardens can be found here.

From The International Topiary Organisation of the UK For more information see the Link #12 below.

Photo source Coker College

Pearl Fryar and John Deere, a Perfect Match

My hero Pearl Fryar is highlighted on the
John Deere Tractor website.
See great videos and photos of Pearl.
Thanks for the info GrowWear!
Click below:
Pearl Fryar on John Deere

Pearl Fryar on You Tube


See this wonderful slide show of the topiaries on Mr. Fryar's property.
Fryar's Topiaries
by mxer777 | video info

15 ratings | 10,222 views
curated content from YouTube

Plants Found In Pearl Fryar's Garden

Partial List of Plants

  • Hollywood Juniper, A fast growing plant used as a specimen plant and for abstract topiary.

  • Leyland Cyprus, A fast growing evergreen used in topiary and hedges. Can grow to 60 to 90 feet.

  • Sansasqua Camilla, Blooming evergreen used a a shrub or screen. Grows to 12 to 15 feet.


  • Spartan Juniper, Evergreen that is fast growing and reach a height of 15 feet.


  • Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Slow growth evergreen Shrub that grows 3 to 5 feet.

    Source HGTV

    • The Cyclops

    Affectionately named by Pearl - Photo source Julie Ardery - The Human Flower Project

    Shapes of Love

    Photo courtesy of Shawdow Distribution

    One Masterpiece in a Sea of Many

    Photo source Julie Ardery - The Human Flower Project

    Many reasons to love Pearl Fryar


    He is a proud, hardworking yet humble man, with a positive attitude. He loves to encourage and share with others, especially children. He is a giving person. He has started a college scholarship for 'C' students. He is always willing to try something new. He is dedicated and never tires. He loves people. He looks for 'potential' in people and plants. He shares his knowledge with his neighbors and the educational community. In 2006 Pearl received from Winthrop University the Medal of Honor in the arts for his significant contribution to the arts, and his influence on the cultural community. He welcomes the world with open arms to enjoy his gardens.

    If you want to visit Pearl's Topiary Garden, call to arrange a tour. Address listed below:

    Pearl Fryar
    145 Broad Acres Road
    Bishopville, South Carolina
    29010


    Photo courtesy of Shadow Distribution

    Pearl Fryar Videos

    A Man Named Pearl Trailer
    by WallStCheatSheet | video info

    3 ratings | 21,518 views
    automatically generated by YouTube

    Pearl Fryar On the Move

    Photo source HGTV

    "

    Pearl Fryar on HGTV

    SEE PEARL ON HGTV JUNE 5TH 2009, 8PM EST / Photo Source HGTV

    "

    PEACE, LOVE, AND GOODWILL

    Photo Source HGTV

    "

    Quotes and Words of Wisdom from Pearl


  • "There is always going to be obstacles. The thing you do is don't let those obstacles determine where you go."

  • "You tell me I couldn't do one thing, I'm going to prove to you I can
    do another thing."


  • "He or she that never does more than average, will never rise above the average."

    • Pearl Fryar is Recognized by His Community Once Again

    May 2009 Pearl Fryar is awarded the prestigious Sydney Sullivan Award by Coker College. For recognition of excellence of character and service to humanity.

    “May you live long and prosper, Pearl Fryar.”

    Links to more information on Pearl Fryar

    Visit these links for more information and incredible photos. Vote for your favorites.

    1

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    Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville, South Carolina

    Pearl Fryar's official site: Pearl Fryar's Topiary more...1 point

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    The Pearl Fryar Path Project

    Pearl Fryar's art in mosaic at Coker College.1 point

    3

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    A Man Named Pearl

    View documentary trailer and other info here.1 point

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    http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/cities/468.aspx

    Visitors guide to Bishopville South Carolina1 point

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    Lee County Visitor Information

    Lee County Chamber of Commerce 'About Us' informat more...1 point

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    Topiary - Information from WIkipedia

    Origin of the Topiary and pictures.1 point

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    Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden: A Cut Above Average : Landscaping : Home & Garden Television

    This self-taught topiary artist has created more t more...1 point

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    Over-the-Top Topiaries : HGTV

    Pearl Fryar on HGTV. Internationally known topiary more...1 point

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    http://humanflowerproject.com/index.php/weblog/comments/evergreen_surrealist_pearl_fryar/

    The Human Flower Project, article on Pearl Fryar, more...1 point

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    Nice blog on Pearl FryarTales from the Microbial Laboratory: Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden (Bishopville, South Carolina)

    When you drive into Bishopville, South Carolina, y more...1 point

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    Topiary Org Uk - History of Topiary and Baytrees.

    The official website for the The International Ass more...1 point

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    Video: Pearl Fryar's Inspiration

    Pearl and Metra Fryar discuss their amazing topiar more...1 point

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    HGTV Home Sweepstakes

    HGTV Home Sweepstakes is located in an area with p more...1 point

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    WSJ.com-Garden Paradise: A Man Plants Seeds of Harmony

    Bringing a racially divided town together with top more...0 points

    Pearl Fryar Familiarity Poll

    Loading poll. Please Wait...

    Other Reasons to Visit Bishopville South Carolina

    The Birthplace of Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune and park location

    South Carolina Cotton Museum - Artifacts

    The James House and Camellia Gardens - Historical Records & over 100 varieties of Camellias

    Lake Ashwood

    South Carolina Quilt Festival - March

    Lee State Park - Natural Area

    Lynchburg Magnolia Festival - May

    Shout Out For Pearl Fryar!



    Lensmasters and visitors, please share your opinion of this lens. Share your stories if you have visited Pearl's topiaries. Recommend gardens you have visited. Or share your love of gardening or tips.

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    Great Pearl Fryar DVD from Amazon


    This dvd documentary on Pearl Fryer would make a great addition to a family collection. Great for educators and lovers of gardens and art. An inspiration to adults and children alike.
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    I've Been Reviewed By Grow Wear

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    Thanks for all your hard work Grow Wear!

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