Tourist In Our Own State

Last weekend we decided to be tourists in our own state! After seeing Pearl Fryar on HGTV, 60 Minutes and in Southern Living Magazine we had to go see his Topiary Garden in Bishopville, SC. After Pearl retired he got a little bored and decided to trim the trees in his yard. Well, it turned into the most interesting place. He had a little mailbox in his front yard for donations and a big Welcome sign for anyone who wanted to take a walk around his yard. He lives on a dead end street and has inspired all of his neighbors. The entire street is decorated in topiaries.

Yep - that is his address!

It just seemed like we stepped into a Dr. Seuss story book.

He had Love Peace And Goodwill written in his side yard.


Tod and the boys along with two little dogs that followed us all over the place. It was a nice welcoming committee!

This tree is called the Arrowhead. So amazing.

Everywhere we turned there was an amazing tree that you can tell was so carefully and lovingly sculpted.

This is my favorite. A square tree.....

He also had some neat sculptures and fountains scattered around the landscape.

Jacob thought these topiaries looked like animals.

Who know bushes could take these shapes?

Brady loved this fountain. He didn't want to leave.

After leaving Pearl's topiaries we headed to Lee State Park to throw the football and take a hike. I was surprised to find how swampy it was there. Also, the trees were huge and covered with Spanish Moss. Brady called the trees "hairy".

Our hike was on a boardwalk across this green swampy water.

Jacob just called the water - "YUCK!"

These little green plants were under the water. It was actually very beautiful.

Taking a little break after our swamp hike.


Our next hike was around the lake. Tod spotted these three turtles sunning. We found two fresh water springs at one end of the pond. Brady threw sticks and pine straw in the lake and Tod and Jacob threw the football around the lake.

We had so much fun on our little road trip for the day. It was so nice to be outside after three days of constant rain. We do need to do this more often!