“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.” Though lots of people tend to agree with this often quoted Albert Einstein pronouncement, individual development can sometimes be a bit too individual. At least that was the general consensus around a certain garden club. Lately the definition of garden had been evolving, and not always in a good way. In the age of the “green revolution,” some people were taking this idea of natural, a bit too far. No one wanted to name names, but everyone knew. Everyone always knows and names aren’t necessary in cases of extreme individuality being expressed.

Then it was whispered that something new had appeared. And the gawking began. What was it? Could it be a turtle? It must be, because further along was something that looked like a hare. Someone’s idea of a joke. And almost daily there was something new. A lantern? One that looked like the bones of a fish. Some were whimsical and some were just basically geometrical – but in a good way. Who knew the unnamed individual could turn things around like this? The once dreadful sight had been transformed. It could be described as a work of art. Many works of art.

Later it would become clear that the once unnamed individual, whose name was now being spoken with much respect, had been inspired by the documentary, “A Man named Pearl.” It turns out Pearl Fryar lived in Bishopsville, South Carolina and had become famous for transforming his ordinary yard into a topiary park. He had set out to win the garden club monthly award and in the process had taught himself the art of pruning trees and shrubs into creative shapes. There were sailing ships and Japanese lanterns, spires and arches. Over two decades the ordinary yard had become a tourist attraction and that would lead to the documentary.

The unnamed individual had not just copied Pearl’s work but had embarked on some truly original shapes. This topiary garden reflected the owner’s Midwestern sensibilities. There was an Ole & Lena topiary. A bear. A Viking. Some North Woods themed topiaries. And then there was the series that caused everyone to take a second look. It was a series of topiaries shaped like Sherman Pole Buildings. The individual had been inspired by the Sherman Pole Buildings on the property that were used for storing equipment for creating and maintaining the topiaries. One thing had led to another and soon enough there was a whole array of Sherman Pole Buildings in various styles. Some folks had no idea there were so many variations on the Sherman Pole Building theme.