Bishopville, South Carolina

We drove to Bishopville for one reason only..... to see Pearl Fryar's Topiary Gardens.  It was blasting hot on the morning we got there, but even the Carolina heat didn't take away the magic of those gardens.  There are all sizes and species of shrubs and trees that Mr. Fryar has cut and shaped into such whimsical and ornamental designs. Huge trees that require a cherry-picker.... small shrubs that must have tall Mr. Fryar down on his knees.  In one large part of the garden, there is a message cut out into the lawn and planted with red begonias............. it reads "Peace, Love, Goodwill."

We met Mr. Fryar...... told him how much we admired his work, and my husband took a photo of me and Pearl in front of one of his topiary creations.  Such a wonderful, peaceful, kind man...... told us that he 'created a monster' with his topiary garden, but he was just so pleased that the garden brought such joy to everyone who visited.  Honestly, you don't know where to look first.... and no matter where you look, your eye catches a beautiful design, or a water fountain made from found metal pieces, or Mr. Fryar's sculptures with a message.

PBS had a documentary film about these gardens and their creator...... I had caught part of the documentary on television last year, then ordered the DVD and watched it again and again.  Pearl Fryar is so dedicated to making his part of the world a serene and inspiring place, and you just can't walk through his property quickly...... you have to take your time and look at every design, every twist and turn in the trees and the bushes, and pay close attention to his hand-made metal sculptures. (Especially the one that says "Hate hurts.")

Walking through the gardens is free....... there is a small box for donations, and we gave generously. There aren't enough words to describe the beauty and serenity of Mr. Fryar's property. You just have to see it, walk through it, talk to Mr. Fryar about his work, his message, his passion.                    

 Want to know what heaven looks like? Just go to Bishopville and walk around Mr. Fryar's gardens.