Maria has a BS degree in Biology from the University of Maryland plus an MS degree in Pharmacognosy from the University of Rhode Island. She founded Willow Oak Flower + Herb Farm over 40 years ago, which has been featured in Baltimore Bride, Southern Living Christmas Book and Maryland Farm & Harvest. Her work has been featured in "Herbs, Gardens, Decorations, and Recipes" by Emelie Tolley as well as Better Homes and Garden Magazine. She taught at Tai Sophia (now known as Maryland University of Integrative Health) and Continuing Education at Anne Arundel Community College for over 30 years. Plants are her passion, and she hopes to share this joy with others through Beaver Creek Cottage Garden.