Hugh Skinner received a B.S.A. (Horticulture) from the University of Manitoba prior to returning to manage the family nursery where he grew up. In 2002, he received the Prairie Garden Award for Excellence, and he is currently the Vice President of the Manitoba Horticultural Association. He has developed course materials for Assiniboine Community College, including an Integrated Pest Management course for the nursery, greenhouse and golf course industry. In addition to the books he has cowritten with Sara Williams, he is a regular contributor to Manitoba Gardener and The Prairie Gardener magazines.