Found out about these gardens in the South Carolina State visitor guide. Thank goodness they supplied an address as there is no sign to this fella's yard. We knew we were close when we started seeing sculpted shrubs in each yard. 
Pearl Fryar describes himself as an "old hippie from New York City". When he moved here he became inspired to win the local "Yard of the Month" award and taught himself topiary skills. He prefers not to use boxwood but uses youpon holly, junipers and oaks among other shrubs.
Many of his plants were bought from a local nursery as damaged stock and all the rest have been raised from 1/2 gallon pots. He doesn't water or fertilize and uses pine straw to protect the plants. He's lucky to live in this mild climate.
Once the plant is sculpted he says it doesn't take much skill to keep the plant in shape, but he does keep at it by trimming each plant in his 3 acre yard about every 3 weeks.
He and his gardens have been on TV many times and he teaches classes in topiary. He delights in sharing his garden with others. We enjoyed having him guide us on a garden walkthru. He pointed out two large topiaries that will be moved to museums in the next year. Downtown Bishopville has Fryar's topiaries down it's main street.
To find out more: http://www.fryarstopiaries.com/
