Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden, South Carolina
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
South Carolina has a lot of natural attractions. With places like Myrtle Beach brimming with tourists and vacationers every year, of course, it’s a traveler’s paradise. But sometimes you want to get away from those places that are packed with people while still experiencing some of the wonderful beauty that the state has to offer. For that, there’s Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden in Bishopville, South Carolina, just northeast of Columbia.
What started as a bid to win the local Garden Club’s Yard of the Year award turned into a passion project that has seen Pearl Fryar become something of a local celebrity. He’s now a famed horticulture sculptor, turning “rescued” plants from local nurseries into abstract topiary structures.
One of the biggest draws to Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden is something called the Fishbone Tree. Fryar used electric saws and trimmers to shape his topiaries into interesting and abstract shapes. That includes a single tree that juts up well into the sky that he has shaped into a “fishbone.”
If you’ve ever seen a cartoon, it’s easy to see exactly what Fryar is going for. Not unlike when a cartoon cat slurps down a fish and pulls back out the fish skeleton, you’ll see a triangular shape at the top, with several “rib bones” making their way down to the ground. It’s unique from all angles, so take some time to admire his handiwork.
Also littered throughout his topiary garden are what is fondly referred to as “junk sculptures.” These are whimsical, ornamental structures he has built from things otherwise discarded. He turned them not just into sculpture, but also into working elements like fountains.
For example, imagine a fountain built from a tea kettle, cast-iron wood-burning stove, and a paddlewheel with multiple steam pipes. Or a variety of trumpets and other horns all blowing out of a large tuba. Or a dog-shaped lawn ornament made from scrap metal drinking from several bowls that formerly held plants. There’s no limit to the imaginative structures you’ll find in this garden.
Fryar said on multiple occasions that he doesn’t do what he does for himself, but rather for others around him. He wants to provide something relaxing and fun for people to be able to enjoy. A big part of his mission is to spread love, peace, and goodwill through his art.
You’ll find that message etched into massive letters in his yard. Spread out equally and naturally, he’s used stone to write the message itself, and has (of course) included plants spaced out across each letter to further pop against the green background of the lawn. It’s impressive in magnitude.
One of the big draws of visiting Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden is to meet Pearl Fryar himself. As the subject of a documentary titled “A Man Named Pearl,” he’s become somewhat of a local celebrity, with people around the globe coming to visit his yard. And the man can often be found out in the yard, tweaking sculptures here and there, or cruising across the area in his tractor.
He loves talking to his visitors. He takes great pride in this place that he’s built, and loves to talk to people about the power of positive thinking and sharing a good message of hope. Most of his volunteers at the garden started as visitors. His personality has been called “contagious,” and you’ll come away from talking to him feeling reinvigorated.
Of course, the main reason to visit the Topiary Garden is to see these whimsical sculptures. Like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, these twisting and twirling topiaries may leave you feeling dizzy. Or at least, reaching for your camera.
Most of the trees and plants in the garden have been affected in some way by Fryar’s hand. Plants aren’t simply growing up and out and being trimmed. They’re being twirled, pulled, arched, shaped, and grown in ways to create a unique atmosphere. Come in and be amazed at what one man has been able to do, and see how he keeps creating new environments over and over.
With a total of 83 spaces, and with every single one having full hookups available, Columbia/Camden RV Park already sets you up for a successful camping adventure. It’s a quick trip to the beach, and children and pets are both welcome. There’s also a shower facility on site, as well as laundry. Toss in free broadband internet access, and you’ve got a winner of an RV park here.
Water, sewer, and electric hookups at all sites? The Farm Campground isn’t Old MacDonald’s type of farm. There’s also cable and wifi available at each site. There are bathhouses and laundry facilities, a small playground for the young ones, and a pavilion with a TV so you can catch the big game. There are 52 total sites here, so when you come, you’re likely to make friends.
Located in Florence, the Florence RV Park comes with 67 spaces on 26 acres, making it both expansive and very popular. There are full hookups at each of these sites, including wifi. Plus there’s a swimming pool and pond onsite, as well as horseshoes and a playground. Otherwise, enjoy the fire rings and picnic tables so you can have a real camping experience.
Enjoy one of South Carolina’s state parks. Lee State Park has plenty of camping available, and every site has electrical and water hookups. There are also hot showers available near each site. There are 19 sites here equipped for families, plus several more dedicated to equestrian campers, so you’re likely to see a few horses around the camp. There’s also a dump station on-site for ease as you’re pulling out.
The Barnyard RV Park comes packing with 128 total sites, with full hookups. There’s wifi available throughout the park, and free cable as well. The bathroom and shower facilities are air-conditioned, and a dog park helps your pups get some exercise—and the kid’s playground can wear them out. Spots at The Barnyard tend to fill up fast, so call ahead and make a reservation.
There’s no dining at Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden. With your RV, you’d be welcome to pack a small meal and snacks, as long as you pack out everything that you bring with you. Otherwise, plan to eat either before or after you show up.
Bishopville has a lot of your standard, small-town fare, and that’s part of what makes it delicious. Enjoy a good sandwich and chips, or stop in at a pizza joint and order a couple of pies for the family. There are also lots of quick-serve style diners offering up good breakfasts and cheap burgers.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, consider visiting nearby Columbia (pictured above). As a city, its food scene is much more extensive. But don’t miss out on some small-town fare, either. The little hole-in-a-wall types of places often have some of the most delicious meals available.