Manitoba has a new way to recognize people of excellence, and a local nursery's playing a major role. Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon unveiled the tree project today, which aims to plant trees in recognition of visiting dignitaries or those who've made significant contributions to the province. Filmon says the decision to begin planting the trees came after serving in the public eye with her husband, former premier Gary Filmon.  

Lt. Gov. Janice Filmon

"I walked beside my husband in public life, and looked at the things that were given. They were beautiful, often took time, et cetera, but oftentimes you couldn't use them, so there was money spent and time. When I had this opportunity here, what can I do to come up with something that would be sustainable and beautify the city and our province?"

It's not just any tree that will be planted through the project. A special hybrid maple tree, dubbed 'Regal Celebration,' was created by Jeffries Nursery in Portage la Prairie. The

Wilbert Ronaldhybrid maple was developed by cross-breeding two types of Maples, to combine the hardiness of the western maples, and the fall colours of the types of maple trees seen in the west.

Jeffries Nursery President Wilbert Ronald says it's an honour to be involved in the project.

"It feels good. In a sense it's kind of a joint relationship in that we'll also be producing the tree. We're the only propagating nursery right now. It gives the a lot of prominence, and we hope it does well."

While the process of having the tree used for the Lieutenant Governor's tree project has only been in the works for months, the development of the tree started decades ago. Ronald explains that due to the in-depth process, they've been working to create this type of tree for about 20 years.

"That's how long it takes to develop a tree unless it's a very easy mutation of a good tree, such as a colour mutation or variegation. This is from scratch, from hybridization, and original seed."

It's not the first time Jeffries Nursery has been selected for this type of work. Ronald says they also developed the Amber Jubilee Ninebark Shrub for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, as well as the Lord Selkirk Sugar Maple, named for the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk settlers arriving in Manitoba.