In Bishopville, S.C., is the eccentric garden of Pearl Fryar, self-taught topiarist.
Mr. Fryar's horticultural handiworks trim the three acres surrounding his home at 165 Broad Acres Road.
Stymied by his job as a maintenance engineer at a soft-drink can plant, he carved an outlet for his creativity through shrubs and trees, many of which had been rescued from the compost heap of a local nursery that had considered them too sick or ugly to sell.
He began snipping, nipping and clipping his living sculptures in 1983.
The Fishbone Tree, a Leyland cypress that is considered Mr. Fryar's signature creation, was planted in 1989.
Nearing 71, Mr. Fryar and and his wife, Metra, built their home in 1980, and the at-first everyday, garden-variety shrubs around it were his inaugural project.
The Garden Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, intends to preserve this exceptional garden in perpetuity.
To look at other exceptional sights in the area, visit: Curiosities in the Carolinas
To look at other exceptional sights in the area, visit: Curiosities in the Carolinas
Topiary! What a wonderful way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteYou should see the garden done up for Christmas. My brother-in-law worked at the can factory with Pearl years ago.
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