MARIA ROCK has been actively involved in every aspect of the Horticulture Industry since 1974. In the beginning of that year, MARIA and her husband opened a garden center that they owned for twelve years. In 1986, they made the easy transition to the landscape contracting and the consulting aspects of the garden.

In 1990, MARIA graduated from St. Mary's College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasizing Managing and Marketing for Top Garden Sales. As a Horticulture Environmental Consultant, MARIA pulls from her vast knowledge and experience to provide her international clientele with a rich mixture of practical guidance and a genuine love for the Horticulture Industry. She has the unique experience of being involved with garden customers on a basic level, allowing her to clearly identify their specific needs in the Industry.

MARIA was one of the featured speakers at the 1998 Western Nursery & Garden EXPO in Las Vegas. Her seminar, "Creative Marketing: Creating Garden Styles That Grow Dollars" was by far the most well-attended seminar at the EXPO.

MARIA is a freelance writer for various newspapers, national magazines and trade publications. Sharing her knowledge of the garden world with her AMERICA'S ROYAL GARDENER newspaper column and corresponding radio tips, she reminds us that "Gardening is good for the soul." Her column has provided her with a spring board for radio and television segments, lecturing, and teaching special events throughout the garden world. Additionally, MARIA was an Associate Professor in the Horticulture Department at Butte-Glenn College and in the Extended Education Program at CSU, Chico.