I was pretty sure, based on the ridiculous soundtrack alone, that the story of topiary artist Pearl Fryar was a mockumentary. And a good one. Living in rural South Carolina, Fryar decided one day to be, according to the New York Times, “as visible as possible.” So he started with a holly bush. Now his three-acre yard is an international sensation. And the local ladies say they enjoy looking at more than the shrubbery. Pearl’s story is real. Via Beautiful Decay. Video after the jump.
A Man Named Pearl
Julie Greicius
Julie Greicius was Art Editor for The Rumpus when it launched in January 2009. One year later, she became Senior Literary Editor, and later, Senior Features Editor. Julie also co-edited the first book published by The Rumpus, Rumpus Women, Vol. 1, featuring personal essays and illustration from twenty kick-ass contributors. Her writing been featured on The Rumpus, Midnight Breakfast, Stanford Medicine Magazine, and BuzzFeed, as well as in the anthology The 27th Mile. She lives in California and is a member of The Rumpus Advisory Board.