written by Abra Lee, Garden Contributor

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]unday February 26^th marks the 84^th Annual Academy Awards and with so much movie buzz in the media, I wanted to share one of my favorite films of all time. Titled ‘A Man Named Pearl’ it is the true story about self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar of Bishopville, SC. From the minute Pearl appears on screen you know you are about to witness something special.  Pearl Fryar grew up in Bishopville, SC during segregation in America and never let the challenges of the era destroy the simple yet powerful message he lives life by– “love, peace, and goodwill.”  With no formal training in the art of topiary (clipping plants into defined shapes) Pearl learned to create vibrant living sculptures out of “throw away” plants. Pearl’s topiary talents defy the laws of horticulture. Almost none of the plants should be able to thrive under the stresses he puts upon them. However, as Pearl puts it he “didn’t know what the plants could not do” and so he made possible out of the impossible.

When word gets out in Bishopville about the abstract shapes taking root in Pearl’s garden, the community takes notice and soon so does the world. Pearl’s internationally recognized garden has a positive change on the social communication in once segregated Bishopville and helps boost the tiny community’s struggling economy. To this day people from all over the world come to Bishopville, SC to tour the garden and meet Pearl.

‘A Man Named Pearl’ is a family friendly documentary with a message that goes beyond gardening. Pearl’s outlook and warm spirit impacts children, seniors, and everyone in between, reminding us to pursue our dreams and know that it is never too late to make a positive difference in the world. Here’s to wishing you success in both the garden and life!

 images courtesy of HGTV