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White House florist mystery: rumors sprout like daffodils about abrupt exit White House florist mystery: rumors sprout like daffodils about abrupt exit
(34 minutes later)
Under what shadow of slinking intrigue has the White House florist been banished? Are the groundskeepers safe? Will the pastry chef be spared? What about the carpenter, who is also the beekeeper?Under what shadow of slinking intrigue has the White House florist been banished? Are the groundskeepers safe? Will the pastry chef be spared? What about the carpenter, who is also the beekeeper?
Who else has lawyered up?Who else has lawyered up?
Rumors swirled in Washington DC on Tuesday as the news spread that Laura Dowling, White House florist for the past six years, had been “escorted from the building” on 13 February under circumstances most mysterious. The Washington Post’s report was attributed to “a source with close ties to current residence staffers”.Rumors swirled in Washington DC on Tuesday as the news spread that Laura Dowling, White House florist for the past six years, had been “escorted from the building” on 13 February under circumstances most mysterious. The Washington Post’s report was attributed to “a source with close ties to current residence staffers”.
The White House did not reply with specificity to calls and emails on why the woman who had, for the duration of Obama’s presidency, been entrusted with beautifying the nation’s most famous address was apparently not trusted to leave the premises on her own.The White House did not reply with specificity to calls and emails on why the woman who had, for the duration of Obama’s presidency, been entrusted with beautifying the nation’s most famous address was apparently not trusted to leave the premises on her own.
We have only the report of her ejection, and the questions – questions sprouting like daffodils.We have only the report of her ejection, and the questions – questions sprouting like daffodils.
The office of first lady Michelle Obama emailed a statement about the disappearing of Dowling to the Guardian on Tuesday. “As chief florist, Laura Dowling and her team treated guests of the White House to their beautiful floral arrangements,” the statement said.The office of first lady Michelle Obama emailed a statement about the disappearing of Dowling to the Guardian on Tuesday. “As chief florist, Laura Dowling and her team treated guests of the White House to their beautiful floral arrangements,” the statement said.
“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.”“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.”
Dowling issued a statement, obtained by the Washington Post, through the seriously heavyweight law firm Sidley Austin, which operates on three continents.Dowling issued a statement, obtained by the Washington Post, through the seriously heavyweight law firm Sidley Austin, which operates on three continents.
“After almost six years as Chief Floral Designer at the White House, I have resigned in order to pursue exciting new opportunities and explore my passion for floral artistry and design,” the statement said. “Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be launching a new platform for my work as an author, speaker, instructor and design consultant that builds on the creative ideas and partnerships I’ve formed during my tenure there. It’s been such an honor to work at the White House and I will always be grateful for this incredible opportunity.”“After almost six years as Chief Floral Designer at the White House, I have resigned in order to pursue exciting new opportunities and explore my passion for floral artistry and design,” the statement said. “Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be launching a new platform for my work as an author, speaker, instructor and design consultant that builds on the creative ideas and partnerships I’ve formed during my tenure there. It’s been such an honor to work at the White House and I will always be grateful for this incredible opportunity.”
Dowling’s predecessor, Nancy Clarke, lasted through six presidential administrations.Dowling’s predecessor, Nancy Clarke, lasted through six presidential administrations.
For the record, there was no indication at the time of writing that any other the staff positions in the White House were at risk or that anyone would need a lawyer. For the record, there was no indication at the time of writing that any other of the staff positions in the White House was at risk or that anyone would need a lawyer.
For now, it’s just Dowling.For now, it’s just Dowling.