As beginners the most prevent problems that lead to a trees death is having improper watering schedules, improper soil mixtures, as well as giving the tree improper light exposure. The most useful resource at your disposal is to visit or join your local Bonsai club and ask the members there any questions you might have. They will be more than willing to help a budding enthusiast and will have great information for growing in you geographical location. Your local bonsai store should know about all the local bonsai clubs if you ask. Here a link to the clubs in NY... http://absbonsai.org/bonsai-club-directory/usa#NY P.S. I also recommend visiting the Library and renting some bonsai books if you haven't already. Its a good resource for beginners and people generally new to the hobby. plus its free :)

Azalea seed? I've always wondered about that - with all those flowers, where are the seeds? But my mom just propagated them by laying a branch, still connected to the bush, in loose dirt and putting a rock on top of it. Once it grows good roots, cut it off, and there you go - a free azalea. And I see them planted in huge clusters everywhere down here in southern MS; never noticed signs of disease on the natives. Some of them are ten feet tall, at least, in an enormous mass. I'd think you'd be safe planting them that way as long as you give them lots of room. Of course, this late, you've already got them planted, I'm guessing. :)

Carree, I could've sworn I posted a response to your photo but I don't see it there. Beautiful tile with so much character! I am looking into each and every source that everyone has taken the time to post for me. Thank you! Romy, I do like the edge, it's just a little different than what I originally told the fabricator I wanted (ogee stacked on straight edge). He came to template and installed the perimeter counters the next day. At that time he discussed with me his idea for the island edge (it is only slightly different) and I told him to go for it! I will post pics shortly but the ceilings are being sanded and it's quite a mess right now. Hopefully everything but the backsplash will be done by the end of the week and I will post then. You haven't posted final pics of your kitchen yet, have you? Want to make sure I didn't miss it!!

Any azalea specialist nurseries in your local area? And have you tried any independent garden centers, or are you only seeing the Encore series because you have just looked at warehouse store plant departments? If it were me I'd try to identify and talk to some local independent vendors about local performance - what kinds have proved successful in the area. (Or at least somebody that is serving the same gardening region). All the more so because you are trying to use this planting as an architectural feature (screen), that you will want to hold up well. Also if you do some more looking on the web you may be able to find favorites lists from rhododendron or azalea society chapters operating in your same area. Definitely the American Rhododendron Society maintains chapter lists that include evergreen azalea cultivars that members in each local group have been happy with.