Pearl Fryar, the 'Picasso of Plants,' dies at 86

Pearl Fryar died on April 4 at his home in Bishopville, S.C., at age 86, his wife Metra Fryar confirmed. He was a self-taught topiary artist who turned a former cornfield into a world-famous garden that drew visitors and supported his community.

Pearl Fryar died on April 4 at his home in Bishopville, S.C., at 86, a fact confirmed by his wife, Metra Fryar. He was a self-taught topiary artist who transformed a former cornfield into a widely visited garden of shrubs and trees shaped into whimsical and Cubist-inspired forms. Fryar began shaping plants after buying a double lot in 1980 and learned techniques informally, often working late after his factory shifts. Over decades his yard drew visitors from across the country and the world and became an identified cultural and economic presence for his town. Key facts: - Mr. Fryar died April 4 at his home in Bishopville, South Carolina, and his death was confirmed by his wife, Metra Fryar. - He built a large, public topiary garden on land he bought in 1980, converting a former cornfield into sculpted shrubs and trees. - He was self-taught, began practicing with a $2 holly and learned basic shaping from a nursery worker, later developing original techniques using common materials. - He worked long hours while employed as a production engineer and retired in 2002 to focus on his garden full time. - The garden attracted visitors, garden clubs, school and church groups, and drew attention that supporters say helped Bishopville’s local economy. - In recent years the garden has been managed by a nonprofit and in 2021 hosted its first artist in residence, Michael Gibson, as Mr. Fryar’s health declined. Summary: His garden became a notable example of self-taught, outsider horticultural art and brought national and international attention to Bishopville while becoming part of local identity and economic life. Undetermined at this time.