World Famous Topiary Gardener is Coming to Fenton

Fenton area motorists might wonder what the sign at Gerych's means when they read, "Ask us about tickets to see a man named Pearl."

It's an event at Gerych's Distinctive Flowers & Gifts that relates to the Oct. 10 free movie of the Fenton Film Series.

John Strayer, of the Fenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board, said the Oct. 10 Fenton Film Series movie is "A Man Named Pearl." It's about Pearl Fryar, of Bishopville, S.C., whose new neighbors are upset because they believe he won't maintain his yard, Strayer said. In response, Fryar decides to win the local Yard of the Month award. He teaches himself how to make topiary gardens — cutting shrubs into shapes.

But Fryar does so well, he not only wins Yard of the Month, his three-acre property becomes recognized worldwide for its topiary displays. Tourists come to Bishopville to see his gardens.

Since then, he's appeared on Oprah, Martha Stewart, HGTV and more.

The Oct. 10 showing of "A Man Named Pearl" will be at 7 p.m. at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, 150 S. Leroy St. Doors open at 6 p.m. for live music and refreshments.

As an added bonus, Fryar is coming to Gerych's in Fenton on Oct. 13, where people can meet him, Strayer said.

Gerych's website, www.gerychsflowers.com, said Fryar will be at Gerych's Distinctive Flowers & Gifts, 713 Silver Lake Rd., for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. showings. Regular ticket prices are $22.50. VIP tickets are being sold for a special reception from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 12, and ticket holders will receive an autographed copy of the "A Man Named Pearl" documentary. In addition, VIP ticket holders can have their photo taken with Fryar and receive premium seating at either the 9 a.m. or the 1 p.m. show on Oct. 13. VIP tickets are $50 each.

Group prices are available for regular or VIP groups of 10 or more.

Those who attend the Fenton Film Series showing of "A Man Named Pearl" at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the community center can enter a free raffle for tickets to see Pearl in person, Strayer said. Two tickets will be raffled.

DDA Chairman Craig Schmidt said it sounds like a very good film.

"We are lucky he's coming to town," Schmidt said.

The Sept. 12 showing of "Bran Nue Dae" also at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, had the largest Fenton Film Series attendance ever, Strayer said. More than 100 people watched the movie.

Strayer, a DDA board member, is also of Tanglewood Assisted Living & Home Care,, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"tanglewood-assisted-living-2"} --> a sponsor of the Fenton Film Series. Other sustaining sponsors include Patrick Perfitt of and