After a visit to the warehouse of Tuscan Imports in Florence, SC (the most beautiful, frostproof, terra cotta pots in the world, in my opinion, and many of you have them, and so do I) in mid-November, Steve and I hit I-20, headed west to Bishopville, and went once again to visit Mr. Pearl Fryar, who has one of the most unique gardens we’ve ever seen. 

He has taken trash plants--discards--from dumpsters, planted and nurtured them, and turned them into works of topiary art.  His artistry is self-taught.  He recognized his gift and he acted on it.  His garden is astounding.  But the garden is only half the reason we go for a visit.  Mr. Pearl is the other half.  He rides around on his golf cart, greeting everyone, and he is bigger than life. 

We’ve been fortunate that, both times we’ve visited, Mr. Pearl has been at home and available to chat.  He always tells us what he has been up to, and then says, “Now where are y’all from again?  Oh, yes!  What have y’all been up to?” etc. etc.  For such a busy, busy man, he has so much time. That fact alone is a gift to take away from a visit with him.   As many of you know, there was a documentary made about Mr. Pearl, A Man Named Pearl.  Mr. Pearl puts out a beautiful calendar every year; you can get one (and a DVD of the documentary, too), if you are interested, by visiting his garden, or ordering online at www.pearlfryar.com.

Next Story: Summer Travels >