The WH exit that has everyone talking: Head florist is gone and rumours are flying about why

National Post ^ | March 24, 2015 | Helena Andrews, Washington Post

[rickmichaels]

WASHINGTON — When White House chief pastry chef Bill Yosses left the executive mansion last summer, the president publicly mourned the loss of “the crust master’s” mysteriously addictive pies. And when the first family’s personal chef and pal, Sam Kass, left in December, Michelle Obama heaped praise on Kass’ “extraordinary legacy of progress” in an official White House statement.

But the recent exit of head florist Laura Dowling, who’d been in the job since 2009, has been a much quieter affair. So hush-hush, in fact, that most outside of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. knew nothing about it. There’s still no official comment on why Dowling is no longer at the White House, but according to a source with close ties to current residence staffers, she was escorted from the building on Feb. 13.

The East Wing initially confirmed via a very brief email that “Laura left her position earlier this year” but provided no further details. Later, the first lady’s office (not quoting the first lady specifically, mind you) sent this enhanced statement:

“As Chief Florist, Laura Dowling and her team treated guests of the White House to their beautiful floral arrangements. Ms. Dowling’s creations were always lively and colorful, reflecting not only the season but the unique and historic rooms which they graced. No two arrangements were ever the same and each one left guests with a lasting impression of the elegance and history of the People’s House. We are grateful for her contribution over the years and wish her well”

[hoosiermama]

In the mean time she needs to stay out of parks .....

[MeganC]

“But recently the first lady has debuted a different aesthetic at the executive mansion.”

Michelle’s finally pimped out the White Crib?

[trisham]

She has no taste at all.

[Salamander]

Where are the animal prints?

[EDINVA]

That’s what I was thinking. I recall their taking AF1 to NY for the chef’s gay wedding. Probably want to fully staff the WH with gays.

[trisham]

Good question!

[HotHunt]

Until the whole story comes out into light of day, with the details of what happened, we are speculating. But I think it's more than her leaving on her own accord, even though she wrote a resignation letter explaining her reason for leaving.

When the article says she was "escorted from the building" that sure sounds like she didn't leave on her own timetable or of her own volition. We'll see.

[shalom aleichem]

well she IS melanin challenged...

[null and void]

Head florist.

Is that the one with the dirty knees?

[Regal]

A florist fired the night before St. Valentine’s Day? Sounds fishy.

[USARightSide]

Have you never seen White House specials on TV over the years and the segments on the working florists? Looks like a huge job to me.
Flowers contribute much to all the formal - and informal occasions - at the WH regardless of who is president.
I do not begrudge a chief florist position at all.
The flower arrangements are done on the premises in their own location. Ridiculous to truck them in.

[Does so]

So why exactly does the White House need a “chief florist?”

Why do they need three "calligraphers"?

To write using Arabic letters?

[Tijeras_Slim]

They caught her putting winter aconite and nightshade in the salad.

[Don Corleone]

Moochelle?????

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

Ah, but it takes talent to prepare 'Fido' just the way papa Lolo and mama Ann did. The Mooch's talents lie elsewhere and in the moslem world, men don't cook, other than opponents, and not for food. Therefore, you need a white mosque chef!

[caww]

Yep...I think she wanted the rooms art to reflect her clothing style

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

Sorry, posted three times in error. Problem with Tablet and slow internet connection.

[caww]

The room she decorated for contrast to her clothes