Raised on a farm where every meal was homegrown, Maggie Oster has a passion for growing and cooking food. Her parents also instilled in her a deep love and appreciation of nature, which has led to a lifetime studying, creating, and interpreting gardens and gardening. She has a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and a master of science degree from Cornell University, both in horticulture. Her writing and photography have encompassed a wide range of topics, culminating in eighteen books, including The Herbal Palate, Herbal Vinegar, Recipes from an American Herb Garden, and Reflections of the Spirit: Japanese Gardens in America. The Potato Garden was a James Beard Award finalist. She has also contributed to other books and has written a number of magazine articles. Many of her books and articles feature her own photography. Currently, Oster maintains the family farm in Indiana, which includes extensive food and ornamental gardens. She also operates a bed-and-breakfast in a cottage on the farm. For more information, please visit her website.