Winnipeg Free Press

Nominated by: Paul Armstrong

Why Frank L. Skinner should be a Great Manitoban:

Manitoba dosage: 4.5

Fast Facts: A self-taught horticulturalist, Skinner is credited with developing hundreds of strains of hardy plants and trees capable of surviving the harsh prairie conditions...Skinner developed a particularly tough strain of ornamental fruit trees which quickly became a popular option for shelter belts...His extra hardy chrysanthemums, lilacs, roses and lilies have literally changed the face of Manitoba…Made a member of the British Empire in 1947.

14 Comments

• The legacy left by Frank Skinner benefits and gives much pleasure to all Canadians, particulary those living in the Prairie Provinces. This is evident in today's many beautiful gardens, parks and properties throughout urban and rural areas where can be seen hardy plants and trees developed by Frank Skinner. Most important of all, albeit not all may realize, this legacy enriches the lives of everyone from all walks of life and will continue to do so for generations to come.

  Posted by: Dorcas Brown | 2008-06-25 16:31:08

• It is amazing to think that in a time when there was only postal service and communications were not easy Frank Skinner was able to gather materials from all over the world tfrom which to develop his hardy plant material. As well, the connection ,ade with Universities and botanical gargens and Arboretums throughout the world gave him recognition that sometimes we in Manitoba and Canada do not. We all benefit from the many species he developed.

  Posted by: Joan Clement | 2008-06-26 09:31:22

• You can still see many of the plants that Frank Skinner introduced to the horticultural world at the Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail, located 23 km South of Roblin, MB or 31 km North of Russell,MB just off Hwy#83. The self-guided trail is open during daylight hours,Spring to Fall. The trail is maintained by volunteers, who appreciate the wonderful legacy left to Manitoba and to Canada by Frank Skinner.

  Posted by: Marilyn Simpson | 2008-06-30 14:19:23

• The Skinner Arboretum is an oasis of horticultural science and thoughtfulness on the Manitoban prairie. It recently provided a magnificent enclosure for our daughter's wedding on a sunny and breezy day in June; a sylvan backdrop for a Kentuckian who married the grandson of Frank Skinner. Mr. Skinner literally planted the seeds that gave rise to the beauty that we see in Manitoba today. He would be a worthy recipient of the title "Greatest Manitoban".

  Posted by: Jack and Ruth Teeple | 2008-07-07 14:30:10

• Frank Skinner shaped Manitoba with his trees, plants and flowers. He should be recognized for his effort so that every Manitoban will know who he is and what he has meant for our province.

  Posted by: Nina Bilun | 2008-07-07 18:58:04

• I have a beautiful Dropmore Honeysuckle growing in my backyard, one of Dr. Skinner's many plant introductions.

  Posted by: Marc Simpson | 2008-07-09 10:09:12

• Wonderful to hear about Frank Skinner, I also have a Dropmore Honeysuckle in my back yard in Lac du Bonnet. I certainly cast my vote for Frank - The Greatest Manitoban.

  Posted by: Joan Sipley | 2008-07-09 20:09:09

• Mr.Skinner is a worthy candidate and should be recognised for his work in developing hardy plants that have enriched our Manitoban landscape.

  Posted by: Debbie Innes | 2008-07-10 09:18:55

• Thanks to Mr. Skinner for all the wonderful shrubs and trees that we now have. My vote is for Mr. Skinner.

  Posted by: Maxine Harvey | 2008-07-10 19:38:52

• The gardens and and yards around the world are a testimonial of Dr Skinner's great contributions to horticulture. He pioneered in developing plants that would survive in colder climates. I am enjoying several of his species in my yard. He deserves to be recognized worldwide as a great Manitoban--My vote is for Dr Skinner, a self educated man.

  Posted by: Marlene shearer | 2008-07-12 21:58:26

• I am Frank Skinner's daughter so my vote is, of course, for my father. In voting for my father I am also voting for all prairie gardens, and gardeners, and particularly for the gardening volunteers who keep alive the peace and the wonder of a truly magicical prairie abororetum.

  Posted by: Isabel Wendell | 2008-07-13 14:28:54

• In a time when people are busy and stressed, gas prices are high, there is nothing more refreshing than a vacation through natures own and that you can find at Skinner's Nursury. What a wonderful place to absorb the finest of fine.

  Posted by: Geraldine Ronellenfitch | 2008-07-14 10:59:35

• Dr. Skinner developed many hardy and beautiful plants and shrubs that can withstand our winters. He gets my vote.

  Posted by: Barb Hanson | 2008-07-15 16:55:59

• I have had two rose bushes that Dr. Skinner developed. Each year they came back after a harsh winter and grew larger and had an abundance of flowers. My voter is fo r Dr. Skinner who has helped make Manitoba more beautiful.

  Posted by: Susan Henderson | 2008-07-18 08:18:44

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