Category: Daily Photo

Next up, was Cleveland Turner – a.k.a. the Flower Man – folk artist (or junk collector – depends on who you talk to) in Houston, TX. Mr. Turner was kind enough to take me on a tour of his house. A true character, he’s in his 70s and rides his bike for miles around the city hunting for flotsam and seeds/plants for his yard.

The Flower Man has only lived at this house a few years, so he hasn’t fully established its gardens, but he was quick to point out his banana trees, canna lilies, cotton plants and more. He also told about the struggles he had in buying the house – he put up half of the money and a “friend” the other half. Turns out, his name wasn’t put on the deed. He finally got things sorted out, though.

[photo set]

Yesterday, I drove to Houston to see a few folk art places. First up, was The Orange Show – created by Jeff McKissack. He worked on the place from 1956 until his death in 1980. More information can be found here and here. [photo set]

There’s a century plant starting to bloom at the end of my block. Here it is a few days ago – I hope to catch it again when the blooms open up.

I haven’t seen him in at least a month and found him laying in the yard yesterday. He was very skinny and lethargic – wouldn’t even get up to eat some food. Today, he was moving around but has a fierce limp. It’s his back right leg (which he seems to be sitting on oddly here) that’s giving him problems.