In 2015, I blogged about an amazing man I had the privilege of meeting in March of 2015. It's time to tell, as someone used to say, The Rest of the Story.
This is the story of Pearl Fryar, a man living in Bishopville, South Carolina.
During our meeting, Mr. Fryar told me his amazing story.
Mr. Fryar told us that he had come to Bishopville from the borough of
Queens, in New York City, when his job transferred him to South Carolina
around 1976. He and his wife, both African-Americans, purchased a lot -
really, a cornfield- in an all white neighborhood, in order to build a
house. To say that his new neighbors were not happy with people of
color moving in might be an understatement.
They said African Americans couldn't keep up their yards.
Mr. Fryar
decided to prove them wrong - with love. He took a short course
in topiary. After his 12 hour shift at a local factory, Fryar would come home and work on his topiary. It took over 20 year but Fryar eventually built a three acre topiary garden on his property stocked mainly with castoffs from a local nursery.
Eventually, visitors from all over the world came to see this garden in the Pryor backyard. This is a garden that is truly a victory over hate.
In 2015, the entrance to the display. The tree (a palmetto) and the moon are the state symbols of South Carolina.
Now, the rest of the story.
When I met Mr. Fryar in 2015, he was 75 years old. At this writing, he is 83, and in declining health. By 2020 he was unable to keep up the garden and it was declining, too.
Fortunately, help arrived.
A man, Mike Gibson, is working to preserve the work of Mr. Fryar.
Others are helping, too. Still others help with funding.
The three acre garden is still free. Donations are accepted.
Pearl Fryar is a national treasure. I am blessed to have met him.
"V" Day in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme: Exploring South Carolina and the Eastern United States.
Joining Sandee and other bloggers each Wednesday for #WordlessWednesday.
The manicure on the trees are astounding
ReplyDeleteYou have quite a story. Honestly I did not know the word 'topiary'. Now, it's clear a fabulous subject! Thank you for sharing with us this amazing place, created by a special and strong man.
ReplyDeleteHappy WW and a fine week! 😘❤️
...I visited his property, but never met him.
ReplyDeletehttps://backroadstraveller.blogspot.com/2014/01/edward-scissorhands-of-bishopville-sc.html
Good post first time i have heard of Topiary thanks for enlightening me :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a topiarytasticated week 👍
WOW, that's so cool, Alana! This guy not only had a green thumb but artistic flare to marvel the mind of all who gaze on his handiwork. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story. What a brave, kind and loving man, and so talented.
ReplyDeleteI remember the episode on "The Victory Garden" long ago that featured Mr. Fryar and his garden. It was quite impressive. Obviously, I guess, since I remember it all these years later...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story in a time where there is so much hate and discrimination. Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteBless Mike Gibson. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. Hugs. ♥
How very cool. Well, not cool that he felt like he needed to do that because of his ignorant neighbors, but cool that he made such a spectacular garden.
ReplyDeleteImpressive :-).
ReplyDeleteGreat story and lovely photos ~ may be some day humans will have peace amongst each other ~ sigh
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A Shutterbug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I don't understand people who needs to marginalized others.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on, and stay safe.
I hope that more stories like this one see the light of day as an antidote to the misery, indifference and downright cruelty we see featured in the daily news.
ReplyDeleteSuch a unique, moving and beautiful way to overcome hate -- and such beautiful, uplifting results!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason this post reminded me of the Selfish Giant story by Oscar Wilde, only Mr Fryar's case is that story in reverse. The meanness in the world is staggering! then and now. Thankfully we have people like him who overcome that with their own unique courage and love and set us an example.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't able to come back here in April as often as I wanted to because of the 95% :) so I'm catching up now.