Volume 16 | JAN 2026

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Red Cardinal

'DIGGING IN THE DIRT'

Up lighting On A Beautiful Birch With A Path Light Shining On The Right.

HILL'N DALE RECIEVED 2025

WSIB EXCELLENCE

We are pleased to be awarded, and a member of the 'Health and Safety Excellence program' from WSIB Ontario for 2025.

This not only proves our commitment to health and safety but also shows potential and existing Team Members and Clients that we take health and safety seriously.

DO YOU HAVE TOO MANY REUSABLE BAGS?

SHELBURNE FOOD BANK

WILL USE THEM!

REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE FOR A GOOD CAUSE

CONTACT:

Beth Brown - 519 -925- 5886

or

James Godbold - 519- 925- 3238

To arrange for drop-off or pickup of your reusable bags.

FUN FACTS: GROUNDHOG DAY

Feb.2, Groundhog Day

DID YOU KNOW...

1. First Groundhog day was Feb.2, 1887
2. Groundhog day stems from Candlemas, a Christian holiday.
3. When groundhogs are scared, they make a 'whistle' sound.
4. 'Groundhog Day', the movie came out in 1993.

Bugs & Plants: Continuation From Fall's Journal

Watch Out For These Invasive

 Bad Guys… and Good Guys

Above - Yellow Flag Iris

Above: Northern Blue Flag

Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) 

(photos:Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Canada grows a lot of box shrubs (Buxus sp.) for the ornamental horticulture trade and used to export a great many to the USA. But no longer alas, and not because of Mr Trump and his tariffs! In this case a European moth is the problem. It was first detected in a nursery in St. Catherines in 2023 and has already spread through Ontario to the Eastern Provinces and is a reportable pest.  

Plant these instead of Boxwood:



Ilex glabra ‘Strongbox’ (inkberry holly) for an evergreen border. Can be pruned like boxwood to a hedge (spring), not drought tolerant, and likes a more acidic moist soil if growing in full sun, shade tolerant, deer /rabbit resistant and native. 30” x 30”Inkberry photo: Proven Winners

Above: Inkberry Holly

Along a driveway where snow is managed, a line of uniform sized perennials makes a good low ‘hedge’ which will less likely be affected by snow management after it goes dormant.

A good one is Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta (Calamint). Blooming all season, it starts white, and as the weather cools, the flowers change to mauve. Well-behaved exotic pollinator magnet.

Above: Calamint

DESIGN ELEMENTS:

IMPORTANCE OF AN

'EXTENSIVE' LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE

An extensive landscape design discovery questionnaire is a critical first step in planning a successful and personalized landscape project.

Landscaping consists not only of trees and shrubs (softscapes), it also includes pools, patios, outbuildings, sport courts, driveways, lighting etc. (hardscapes).

A lot of people ‘fluff’ off the importance of the landscape design to the last minute. The landscaping begins at the outside of the house walls; therefore, it needs to be addressed early. And, by the time they ‘think’ of the landscaping, it can be too late and could create a lot of extra and unnecessary costs. This is why this first step is so important, and that you obtain a professional landscape designer and landscape contractor to assist with this process.

Above: Overview Of A Great Design Layout

This type of questionnaire goes far beyond basic measurements or surface-level preferences; it serves as a foundation for understanding every aspect of your property, lifestyle, and aesthetic vision. 

Over the past 31 years, Hill’N Dale Landscaping has developed an extensive questionnaire to achieve this and to help reduce frustration and unnecessary future costs. (click below to see our discovery document)

One of the most important functions of the discovery questionnaire is gathering detailed information about the site itself. This includes factors such as soil type, drainage patterns, wind, sun and shade exposure, existing vegetation, slope and topography, and microclimates. These details are crucial because they determine which plants, materials, and landscape features will thrive in your environment, reducing the risk of costly mistakes and long-term maintenance issues.

Equally important is the questionnaire’s focus on understanding the homeowner’s lifestyle and priorities. Questions about how you use your outdoor space—entertaining, gardening, children’s play areas, outdoor dining, or quiet relaxation—allow designers to create functional zones that enhance your daily life. Without this insight, a landscape may look beautiful on paper but fail to meet the practical needs of the people who will use it.

The questionnaire also explores aesthetic preferences and inspirations. Homeowners are asked about styles they are drawn to, favorite colours, textures, and materials, as well as any specific features they want, such as pools, water features, fire pits, or custom lighting. This helps our design team translate your vision into a cohesive plan that aligns with your personal taste while remaining harmonious with the property’s natural characteristics.

Another key element is budget and maintenance considerations. A thorough questionnaire allows Hill'N Dale Landscaping to propose realistic solutions that fit both financial and long-term care expectations. It ensures that the project can be executed successfully and reduces any surprises. The result is a sustainable and practical property that you love to own.

Finally, the discovery questionnaire functions as a communication and collaboration tool. It encourages homeowners to think deeply about their goals and priorities, while giving our design team precise, structured information. This reduces misunderstandings, streamlines the planning process, and sets the stage for a landscape that is both beautiful and functional.

In essence, the extensive landscape design discovery questionnaire is not just a formality—it is a strategic tool that ensures every decision, from plant selection to lighting placement, and future needs and desires is informed, intentional, and tailored to your unique property and lifestyle.

By taking the time to complete it thoroughly, clients give themselves the best chance of achieving a landscape that is visually stunning, highly functional, and a true reflection of their vision.

Above: Yuks Yuks In Honeywood

Above: Family Day Skate In Honeywood

Up Light In A Birch And Cedar Trees

Up light In A Maple Tree, Down Light On The Right.

Getting the winter blues? Have the urge to play golf?

Shelburne Golf And Country Club now have two golf simulators that you can play to get your golf 'fix' and keep practicing your approach shots!

To reserve your T off time, contact Shelburne Golf And Country Club directly at:

519- 925- 5581

Or email them at the link below.

Hours:

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – 3:00 – 9:00 pm

Wednesday – 11:00 – 9:00 pm

Thursday – 12:00 – 10:00 pm

Friday – 2:00 – 10:00 pm

Saturday – 10:00 – 10:00 pm

Sunday – 10:00 – 10:00 pm

Pricing:

$45+/hour for up to 5 people

League:

$30+ Seasonal entry

$10+ Weekly entry

Preferred rate of $25+/hour

Play any day at any time every week and win fantastic prizes!

HONEYWOOD RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTRE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Congratulations to all winners from the Fall issue who knew the answer to: 'How big was the biggest snowflake to be recorded?'

Answer - 15" Across/ 8" Thick

Hill'N Dale Hydroseeding In Action! Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU

'ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OUTSIDE'?

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Created by the Hill'N Dale Landscape Team