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Self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar's journey to national prominence began with a bigoted remark. In 1976, Pearl took a job in a can factory in Bishopville, South Carolina. New to this rural southern town, he and his wife Metra looked at a house for sale in an all-white neighborhood. The Fryarsâ real estate agent was notified by neighbors that a black family was not welcome. A homeowner voiced the collective concern: âBlack people donât keep up their yards.â Pearl was stung by the racial stereotype, but it motivated him to prove that misguided man wrong. Pearl bought a house in a âblackâ neighborhood and began fashioning a garden that would attract positive attention. His goal was to become the first African-American to win Bishopvilleâs âYard of the Monthâ award. Realizing he would have to do something spectacular, Pearl began cutting every bush and tree in his yard into unusual, abstract shapes. He didnât know it then, but he was creating a magical wonderland that would, in time, not only garner local recognition, but also draw thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the world. Now 68, Pearl has been featured in dozens of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, as well as several television programs such as CBS Sunday Morning. The media interest that Pearl and his topiary garden generates helps steer much-needed tourist dollars into the declining town of Bishopville and Lee County, the poorest county in the state of South Carolina. Heâs also had a profound spiritual influence. Visitors who wander Pearlâs three-and-a-half-acre property quickly recognize that love is the gardenâs central theme. Meticulously etched into the ground in huge, flower-filled letters are three words: Love, Peace & Goodwill. These are the guiding principles by which Pearl lives his life and how heâs been âkeeping up his yardâ for nearly thirty years.
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| Production Status: |
Released |
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| Genres: |
Documentary and Biopic |
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| Running Time: |
1 hr. 18 min. |
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| MPAA Rating: |
G |
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| Distributors: |
Shadow Distribution
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| U.S. Box Office: |
$201,603 |
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| Produced in: |
United States |
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In Theaters 
