yardgranny6's Blog

The garden and the Knees
Oct 1, 2007 | 5:31 PM PST
Tags: cleared , Pearl , Topiary , film , website

At least the back yard corner is cleared and waiting for me to cart lots and lots of mulch tomorrow. It looks so nice without all the undergrowth. Do believe I will be able to place a Hydrangea back there.

In a small town near me, Bishopville, there is a black man by the name of Pearl Fryer. In 1984 he decided he wanted to win the 'Yard of the Week' award that was presented by a local garden club. For some reason he decided to trim the bushes in his yard. Thus began something that has become phenomonal. A Topiary Garden that is known nationwide and unless I heard wrong he has even been to Europe.

It is sculpture in its rarest form, artistry unlike any of any time. He uses nothing but his mind, spirit and soul to form his art. It is pure nature. He has spoken to students in high schools and at Coker college, a small liberal arts school near here, buses come from all over the nation to visit his home. Yes, his home, that is where his gardens began and that is where they will stay.

A documentary film of his life as a Topiary Artist has been made and is showing in our town.  It was scheduled for one week and has been held over for this week as well. It was so well directed. It was the best film I have seen in many years. Simple, direct and right into the heart of this humble man. In parts there was laughter, in parts understanding of where Pearl and all of us come from, in parts a touch upon the heart of the one taking in the life of a simple family man. Part brought tears to my eyes. I have been blessed by the spirit of a man that I must meet.

Do visit Pearl's website, It will not be the same as viewing the film, but you will get the idea.

http://www.fryarstopiaries
.com/

More to Come Later