Michelle Obama appoints new first florist

July 01, 2010

Laura Dowling was recently appointed to the position of First Florist for the white house, and in her time at the famed residence she has been making plenty of colorful arrangements for the first family and guests in Washington, according to The Washington Post.

Armed with a hot glue gun, Dowling has created hundreds of bouquets, each showcasing her "loose and garden-like" style. She includes many unique arrangements, utilizing such materials as birch bark, moss and even dried apricots.

"It's my job to create a new signature style," the arranger told the news source, discussing a piece that featured Brussels sprouts and hot peppers. "And sometimes instead of flowers, we can use vegetables for a centerpiece."

Dowling recently made bouquets for the State Dinner that hosted Mexican President Felipe Calderon. For this event, the first florist made pieces centered around prickly pear cacti and fuchsia roses.

Cacti and other exotic plants are always a fun addition to a bouquet. Those who are planning on sending a flower arrangement that features unusual flowers may want to consider incorporating alpines, African tulips or hibiscus, according to TheFlowerExpert.com.

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