Houston — By Katrina Verweel on February 5, 2010 at 11:21 am

Meet The Flower Man

Interested in doing something truly unique in Houston? Head just southeast of downtown to Houston’s historic Third Ward and meet The Flower Man. His real name is Cleveland Turner and he has been living in the Third Ward for years collecting antiques, collectibles, and tons of junk that he colorfully displays proudly on his property, which is part of where he got his nickname from.

The Third Ward is not the greatest part of Houston, with many overgrown lots and houses in much need of repair, but the Flower Man’s house stands out amidst the blandness with a colorful jungle of plants and junk surrounding his house. He has a rooster on his property, other people’s discarded art, and both artificial and real flowers with plants sprouting from everywhere. It is known in the area that the Flower Man’s property is open to the general public, when he is there of course, to see his life’s work displayed on his lawn.

Cleveland spent 17 years living on the streets until he was rushed to the hospital after he was found out cold lying on the street with alcohol poisoning. He had a vision when he came out of the hospital; a vision that was mostly junk he says, but was pretty, so he created a home surrounded by junk and flowers and has not had a drink since.

Cleveland’s other claim to fame is his Flowercycle. His Flowercycle is decorated with baskets of flowers on the front and back of his bike, which he bikes over 10 miles every day to either his AA meetings or while he searches Houston for other people’s unwanted junk. Cleveland is a 75-year old, is in great shape and just sails through Houston neighborhoods on his bike decked out in flowers.

Cleveland is also a local and active folk artist, and has a sign outside of his house saying: “an installation that will keep your eyes wandering”. So head to the Third Ward to have a truly unique Houston experience and meet the infamous and always friendly Flower Man.