Laura Dowling: White House's New Florist Announces Her Job On Facebook (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

White House florist Laura Dowling was so excited about her new gig that she couldn't wait to announce it on Facebook last week, and yesterday her post was formally confirmed by the White House.

Dowling first learned the art of arrangement in Paris and currently operates her own shop, Interieurs et Fleurs, in the D.C. area. She is inspired by nature, but also considers trends in fashion and decoration to combine classic and modern elements. We can see why Michelle would be a fan of Dowling's work! And we can't wait to see what type of bouquet's she'll bring to the State Dinner on November 24.

Check out the new first florist's website or read her blog.

WATCH her talk about turning vegetables into creative decorations:

A few examples of her work, from LauraDowling.com:

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Comments

[tmano]

omg

[johnnygoodwud]

'ressie' way to set them straight. i was an event planner in d.c. for 10 yrs. and was at the white house about twice a yr. you are spot on.

[Collielady]

This is great fun. Some of my best floral designs have included veggies, sometimes roots and all. The textures are amazing and the shapes are great to work with.

Those who think the White House floral department is excessive need to do some Googling. The "green industry" includes florists as well as nurseries, landscaping, and tropical greenhouses. It's a HUGE part of our economy, so get used to it. No, better yet, be grateful for it!

[silva66]

Lovely.

[anelder]

The world may go to hades in a handbasket but I shall always have my God given appreciation for things beautiful.

These observances of the beauty around us and the good things about people will help keep you human in the face of all that is inhumane. I wish you well.

[Lambpie]

This gal is gifted. I love her arrangements.

[gbrooks]

We do not need a White House florist while people are losing their jobs, their homes and people are dying overseas for giant heaps of BS.

[Lambpie]

Flowers are an industry as well. Florists are working people. And I'm sure there have been WH florists since we became something more than a third world country. Why, I bet they brought fresh flowers in the week we bombed Iraq as well.

[ToniaB]

So are you suggesting that they fire the florist because people are losing their jobs and homes...? Where is the logic in that???!!!

[Bytown]

Nice to see something being decided at the White House. Something so important.
Maybe they can get Michelle to make a decision on Afghanistan. Meanwhile thousands of under supported soldiers are being shot at while waiting for Obama to make a desicion.

[CUL8R]

Beautiful arrangements - a very talented floral artist!

[Ahyoka]

As a fifth generation Texan I gotta love the jalapeno wreath!
and the sunflower mix is cool too.
I grow all this stuff every year in my yard,so I can appreciate the style.
Glad this lady is on the job for us!

[theredqueen]

Gorgeous photgraphs. I buy a few fresh flowers every week or so - and do the best I can to make a simple vase look better than it really is. Thanks for this thread and for the pictures too.

[3blueeggs]

Here's a tip a learned from a friend who is a floral designer. To enhance an arrangement with fewer expensive flowers, buy interesting greens to make the piece fuller and more interesting. "Bear Grass" is wonderfully cheap and you can manipulate it into many interesting shapes!

[Chinny1102]

I love the jalapeño reef and the orange peel bouquet. Yay for her and yay for art, all kinds of art!

[Texas4Obama]

Here's a link to the White House Flower Shop
http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/floor0/basement-flower-shop.htm

[NoblesseOblige]

You can almost smell the flowers. Thanks for sharing.

[dillydawg]

Second time today, thanks HP for articles that brighten my day.

[WeAreTheWorld]

I guess the benevolent and conscientious Obamas are paying for this out of their own pocket, right?

[ReesieKitty]

How ridiculous are you? There is a separate budget for the maintenance of the White House, and another separate budget for State Entertaining and yet another for public events and yet another for things like flowers and food. ALL of these budgets have been around for generations and do not relate in ANY way to what party is in power, who the current President is, or how much money he has personally. Traditionally the First Lady will choose who she wants as chef, florist, etc. but the money is already allocated for the position and has nothing to do with the Obamas.

Read up on your own history.

[godemsinnc]

And I read just last night that each new administration is allotted $100,000 to renovate and redecorate the White House residential quarters and the Oval Office, and the Obamas DECLINED those funds. They chose instead to pay for whatever decorating they needed to do with their own money. So yes, benevolent and conscientious are good adjectives to describe our President and First Lady.

[Texas4Obama]

There is a Florist's Shop in the White House, it's been there for ages.
What's up with you people that keep nitpicking everything?

[silva66]

Thank you.

[ToniaB]

They don't have to pay for it! The flower shop was there before they arrived!!! Are you really that shallow??