PeArL fRyEr LoCaL gArDeNiNg CeLeBrItY

Pearl Fryer, is a 72 year old African American male that became a local celebrity due to his special gardening techniques. Fryer admits to watching a three minute demonstration on gardening at a local nursery, which in turn gave him enough insight to become the self taught artist he is today. 


The Fryer's stated that when they were looking to purchase a home in a suburban white neighborhood of South Carolina, they were immediately discriminated against by those white neighbors who commented that the Fryer's, "won't keep their yard up." Apparently, these people hadn't heard of Mr. Fryer's exceptional gifts!

However, Tim Burton the creator of the film 'Edward Scissorhands' had in fact heard of Mr. Fryer, and claimed to have received his inspiration for his movie from Pearl Fryers' gardening techniques. 

Have you seen the movie Edward Scissorhands?


Where the main character Edward had scissors for hands, and used them to cut trees into exotic figures? Director Tim Burton used Fryer's gardening techniques to create computer images of exotic trees and plants within the film. The local newspaper and larger gardening community began to take notice and eventually, Fryer caught the attention of major garden design magazines who would feature his artwork in their glossy photographs. This led to the artist being invited to present at garden shows around the country! He became a regular on television shows such as PBS, HGTV, and Turner South. 


The creative horticulturist stated that he once asked his wife why she married him? He told her that he had no money and no job, and she had money and a job so why did she want him? Fryer admitted he expected his wife to say, she married him because she was madly in love with him. Instead Mrs. Fryer commented "I saw potential in you." Looks like Pearl is certainly living up to the potential that his wife envisioned?

The South Carolina resident has since retired from his regular job but still creates his artistic topiary work, and when he isn't doing that he teaches children and adults his special skills while directing tour buses that visit his gardening grounds. Mr. Fryer also does gardening for the local 'Waffle House' diner, in exchange for free meals for him and his wife. His newest adventure is metal sculpting which he calls his "Junque Art."

Pearl Fryer’s topiary garden is located in Bishopville, South Carolina, 29010. The garden is being preserved by the Garden Conservancy. 

2009 LA