He couldn’t stop: Asheville’s Fine Arts Theatre will play host to Bishopville, S.C., garden luminary Pearl Fryar and his wife, Metra, on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.
Conceived as “an Evening with Pearl Fryar,” the event will include a screening of the new documentary “A Man Named Pearl” and a reception to follow at Blue Spiral 1 gallery, all in support of Pack Square Park.
Fryar, a former factory worker, began his topiary garden 28 years ago, with the aim of becoming the first African-American to win his hometown’s “Yard of the Month Award.” He did, and in the process garnered something considerably more significant: worldwide attention.
“I had never heard of topiary,” says Fryar. “But I was fascinated by the wondrous shapes I could create, and I just couldn’t stop.” His garden theme is spelled out in letters reading LOVE, PEACE & GOOD WILL.
To learn more, visit the Pack Square Conservancy Web site (www.packsquare.org). To watch the “A Man Named Pearl” trailer, visit the film’s Web site (www.amannamedpearl.com).
A growing concern: Downtown Hendersonville will celebrate its 15th annual Garden Jubilee Festival on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25. More than 100 vendors will be on hand to sell plants, arts and crafts, garden décor and food.
Returning to the festival is Bill Slack, Southern Living magazine’s landscape and garden specialist, who will present several clinics. New this year is a pre-event rose clinic and ice cream social on Friday, May 23, featuring Paul Zimmerman of Ashdown Roses in Campobello, S.C. (www.ashdownroses.com).
To learn more about the event, visit the Henderson County Travel and Tourism Web site (www.historichendersonville.org) or call 693-9708.
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