Laura Dowling spent six years as chief floral designer at the White House . Despite unexpectedly departing in February , her exit was only formally announced this week after being uncovered by The Washington Post . The First Lady 's office and Dowling have released complimentary statements but sources say there were tensions over the florist 's ' fussy dress ' Days before butler 's departure the floral Family Garden Room had been re - opened after being refurbished by the First Lady to display modern art .
Laura Dowling spent six years as chief floral designer at the White House . Despite unexpectedly departing in February , her exit was only formally announced this week after being uncovered by The Washington Post . The First Lady 's office and Dowling have released complimentary statements but sources say there were tensions over the florist 's 'fussy style ' Days before Dowling 's departure the Old Family Dining Room had been re-opened after being refurbished by the First Lady to showcase modern art .