Unearth The Voyage
Hidden away in the small town of Bishopville, South Carolina, lies one of America’s most extraordinary gardens. Pearl Fryar transformed his backyard into a wonderland of living sculptures that defy imagination. This magical place proves that art can bloom anywhere when passion meets creativity.
1. A three-acre dreamscape, grown from throwaways
Pearl Fryar saw beauty where others saw trash. Back in the early 1980s, this self-taught artist began rescuing plants that nurseries had given up on.
Many of these forgotten specimens came from compost piles, destined to become dirt. Instead, Fryar gave them new life on his former cornfield property.
What started as a simple landscaping project became something magical. Today, visitors walk through three acres of impossible shapes and dreamy forms that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
2. See the signature “fishbone” tree (and dozens more)
The fishbone tree stands as Pearl’s masterpiece – a Leyland cypress trimmed into an impossible skeleton shape. Visitors often stop and stare, wondering how nature could bend this way.
Nearby, square oaks challenge everything you know about tree shapes. Mushroom-shaped specimens pop up like giant umbrellas throughout the garden.
Hollywood junipers tower overhead, carved into sailing ships ready to catch the wind. Each creation follows Pearl’s free-form style, creating abstract art that would make Dr. Seuss proud of these living sculptures.
3. Messages in the garden
Walking through Pearl’s garden becomes a treasure hunt for hidden words. Carefully trimmed hedges spell out “LOVE” and “PEACE” in living letters that grow and change with the seasons.
Welded metal sculptures carry the message “Hate Hurts,” reminding visitors that kindness matters. These aren’t random decorations – they’re Pearl’s way of sharing wisdom.
Every corner holds another uplifting surprise. Children love searching for new words while adults find themselves moved by the simple, powerful messages woven throughout this green wonderland.
4. More than 400 living sculptures
Numbers tell only part of the story, but 400 individual sculptures create an overwhelming sense of wonder. Each plant represents hours of careful trimming and years of patient growth.
Private gardens rarely hold this density of artistic expression. Most topiary collections belong to wealthy estates or botanical institutions with full-time staff.
Pearl accomplished this feat working alone in his spare time. The sheer volume of creativity packed into three acres makes every visit feel like exploring an outdoor museum where nature serves as the canvas.
5. It’s open to the public (and free)
Amazing art usually costs money to see, but Pearl’s garden welcomes everyone without charge. Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the gates stay open for curious visitors.
Free admission makes this treasure accessible to families on any budget. School groups, tourists, and locals all wander the same magical paths without paying a penny.
Smart visitors call ahead to confirm hours, as schedules sometimes change. The generosity of free access reflects Pearl’s belief that beauty should belong to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
6. Tours and a nonprofit keep the magic going
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, Inc. works as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving this artistic wonder. Scheduled tours will return in 2025, offering deeper insights into Pearl’s techniques.
Major foundations recognize the garden’s cultural value. The Ruth Foundation for the Arts and Andy Warhol Foundation have provided grants to support ongoing maintenance and preservation.
Professional guidance helps ensure future generations can experience Pearl’s vision. Without this organizational support, maintaining 400 sculptures would be impossible as Pearl ages and the garden requires constant care.
7. Yes—Pearl’s story is still being written
Pearl Fryar continues his recovery journey while remaining connected to his life’s work. Recent updates show him spending more time on-site, often greeting surprised visitors from his trusty Gator utility vehicle.
Meeting the master gardener isn’t guaranteed, but lucky guests sometimes encounter him among his creations. These spontaneous meetings create unforgettable memories for visitors who witness his passion firsthand.
His presence adds living history to every visit. Seeing Pearl in his element reminds everyone that behind every magnificent garden stands a person with vision, determination, and endless love for growing things.
8. Pair your visit with Bishopville’s delightfully odd “Button King” Museum
Five miles from Pearl’s garden, another artistic obsession awaits discovery. The late Dalton Stevens covered everything imaginable in buttons – hearses, musical instruments, even toilets became canvases for his unusual art.
This tiny museum operates on donations and reportedly stays open around the clock, though hours can be unpredictable. Smart visitors call ahead or prepare for flexible timing.
Two quirky attractions in one small town make Bishopville a destination for lovers of outsider art. The combination creates a perfect day trip celebrating creativity that refuses to follow conventional rules.
9. Watch A Man Named Pearl before (or after) you go
The acclaimed 2006 documentary captures Pearl’s remarkable journey from factory worker to internationally recognized artist. Watching his story unfold on screen adds deeper meaning to every sculpture in the garden.
This film shows how one person’s vision transformed not just a backyard, but an entire community’s reputation. Bishopville became famous because Pearl refused to accept limitations on his dreams.
Viewing the documentary before visiting helps guests appreciate the years of work behind each trimmed branch. Watching afterward lets the garden’s magic inspire reflection on Pearl’s incredible achievement and unwavering optimism throughout decades of creation.
10. Easy to find—and worth the detour
Located at 145 Broad Acres Road, the garden sits conveniently between major South Carolina cities. Columbia drivers need about an hour, while Florence visitors arrive in just thirty minutes.
GPS makes finding this hidden treasure simple, though the rural location might surprise first-time visitors. The journey through countryside adds to the anticipation of discovering something truly special.
Perfect positioning makes Pearl’s garden an ideal side trip during longer travels. Whether you’re exploring the state or just looking for a unique afternoon adventure, this detour rewards every mile with wonder and inspiration.
