A Man Named Pearl

April 14, 2010

Someone gave Pearl Fryar a set of gardening books, but he soon abandoned them for a hands-on education. “I don't want any books to influence what I do with my natural creative ability,” Fryar says. “I teach kids that it's important to have an education. No doubt about it. But in the final analysis, in order to be really successful, you must be a cut above what you're taught anyway.”

This philosophy is part of what drove Fryar to become a master topiary gardener who not only won the local “Yard of the Month” award but went on to become world famous for his three-acre garden and for his work as artist-in-residence at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. He’s been featured in the New York Times and the L.A. Times, among many other newspapers, and is the subject of the documentary film, A Man Named Pearl, which premiered in New York in 2008. We suggest you invest 78 minutes watching Pearl’s life story this week!

Fryar’s garden is award-winning, but it’s not exactly typical of the pristine Southern gardens of the area. The swirling trees and bushes look like a Dr. Seuss picture book on steroids, and the words “love”, “peace”, and “goodwill” are spelled out in large letters across the sprawling lawn. Fryar has tirelessly donated his talents to other green areas around town as well, including a whimsical topiary bed in front of the local Waffle House restaurant.

It’s important to note several things about Pearl Fryar’s success. First, it takes a long time to grow, form, and sculpt a topiary garden—up to 5 to 10 years! (And you thought an annual business plan was tough to create.) So Fryar didn’t win the “Yard of the Month” award until the decade after he started. How’s that for perseverance? Second, winning the award really wasn’t Fryar’s ultimate motivation –- he had a higher purpose. He broke down racial stereotypes, quietly and visually promoting love, peace, and goodwill. Yes, he made his three-acre corner of the world a more beautiful place. But in the process, he has touched, motivated, and influenced thousands of lives. And while doing all that, Pearl has given tirelessly of his time, speaking with countless visitors and creating a college scholarship for kids who, like him, may seem unlikely to succeed. Pearl epitomizes the saying “The more you give, the more you get”.

Pearl, topiary artist, and his bride Metra continue to live in their starter house in Bishopsville, S.C. They have a son Patrick.

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