Local topiary artist 'cutting' up the Midlands
Mike Gibson has created close to 600 topiaries and several are right here in the Midlands.
Mike Gibson- Property Artist
Property Artist Mike Gibson beautifies landscapes with topiaries and also provides topiary workshops at the Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center. He recently talked to us at "Making It Grow" about how he got started and and also about his process.
Helping out a national treasure in Bishopville
Pearl Fryar's topiary garden is must see in Bishopville, but as Fryar gets older, the community is rallying to help save his beautiful garden.
The Philip Simmons Memorial Garden - Charleston, SC
The Philip Simmons Memorial Garden or "Heart Garden" at the St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC was a collaboration sponsored by the Spoleto Festival to celebrate two of South Carolina's internationally known artisans: blacksmith Philip Simmons and topiary artist Pearl Fryar. This was Philip Simmons's church, and the grounds are surrounded by his decorative ironworks including this peaceful garden that is full of topiaries created by Pearl Fryar. The Garden Club of Charleston now maintains this garden and has recently enlisted the expertise of property artist Mike Gibson, who worked with Pearl and who also brings in his unique style, to provide workshops for their members that demonstrate different pruning techniques ideal for these topiaries. In this video, Clemson Extension Agent and host of "Making It Grow" Amanda McNulty talks with Philip Simmons Foundation member Rossie Colter about Philip, Pearl, and the history of the garden and then Amanda talks with Mike Gibson on the day of one of the workshops.
Ohio man competes on new on Discovery+ show Clipped with Martha Stewart as judge
Gardening fans need to plant themselves in front of their tablets, smartphones, laptops or television monitors to the new Discovery+ show Clipped, which is being called the first competition series set in the spectacular world of topiary. Not to mention Martha Stewart is also a judge on Clipped. The six-episode series follows seven competitors -- one of which is Youngstown’s own Mike Gibson -- who each work to create sculptures and works of art out of carefully trimmed shrubbery, plants and flowers.
A free garden workshop works to engage the community
Registration for this gardening workshop is technically closed, but you can contact Columbia Parks and Recreation for more information.