Hi Tia, There must be enough roots in the pot/bog that the roots are growing in to support the top portion of the tree which you are severing from the trunk. This may be hard to judge if your new to bonsai and/or new to airlayers, so I suggest that even in your nice zone 9 climate (I am a chilly zone 5 and have much zone envy! :) that you still wait at least another 1 1/2-2 months. Its always safe to cut the off-spring from the parent when the bag/pot is FULL of roots. Right now they may just be visible because roots naturally grow outward, so they hit the side of the bag or pot and grow down (or up sometimes). I am sure that behind those roots is a lot of soil that needs to be filled with roots before you make the cut. You gotta have lots of patience with airlayers...its almost impossible (with excpetions of course!) to wait too long, but very easy to kill the new tree and jump on it too quick. I airlayer about 12-15 trees minimum a year. I am airlayering a trident with a 8 inch trunk...it already has one year under its belt, but not enough roots. After this season, in the fall, I will severe the tree from the parent. Just my suggestions... Matt Ouwinga P.S. did you see my post a few weeks back of the process of severing a trident maple airlayer with 4 inch trunk from the parent stock?

They bloom in fall and winter -- that is the great thing about them! And you have picked two nice varieties. Here is a link to some planting tips. (See below.) The main thing I have found is to plant them high in a wide but shallow hole, so they will not later sink below grade. And use plenty of good planting mix (it is worth it). Give them plenty of water during dry spells for the first couple of years until they get established. Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia Planting Tips

The same material as the counter isn't an option since the counters are installed and we don't have enough left over. The veining wouldn't work out too well either that way. Does anyone know what mamadadapaige ended up doing to cover her plywood shiplap?

sara, . You have FIVE posts on just this house, asking basically the same questions. You've gotten many, many responses. And they've done mock ups! Yaardvark did some great mock ups. others have given you color advice, door advice, etc. what exactly are you looking for? You don't think it's a slap in the face to people that have already given you help? It's basically saying, 'um, i wasn't happy with what i rec'd from some of you, so I'm going to keep posting and see if I get better advice'. Yes. you're wasting everyones time why don't you attempt some of the advice already given and come back w/photos of what you did?