The tree must have a cold dormancy, with out this a tree may live a few years but will steadily decrease in health and vigor until it goes into a self induced dormancy 9if it even lives that long) and will usually not come out of it and die. A safe dormant period is easy to care for and extra protection can be given by placing the tree (mulched in) in a container or wooden box outdoors in an already protected area. You could also preferably keep it in an unheated garage or basement which is what I do. You can then also keep more sensitive trees than allowed by your zone since you can use a heater to keep the temps at a cold but steady temperature when needed. If you wanted to go a step further you could do both. If you are having a soil moisture issue due to unusual or consistent heavy down pour of rain you can simply remove the tree from the open, placing it in a mostly protected area out of the rain.

I wanted to get a "Louis Edmonds" manzanita from the Santa Barbara botanical garden sale, but I never made it over there. Sigh. Glad you got yours. The spot looks great. I must admit that I love the Japanese Maple too. My DH has been wanting one for a while. However, I think the manzanita will be even better there. ~Melissa

I think manzanita wood have the sweetish smeel. Sheesham wood also have a great fragnance. You can also find oak,sheesham,timber and many more furniture made of great quality wood to bring your natural essence alive at your home. We also have eco friendly furniture at great discount.@ mebelkart.com. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.mebelkart.com/114-furniture

Manzanitas are susceptible to branch die back. I have had this happen on my Big Sur manzanita and I thought for sure I might lose it, but I didn't. What I suggest is pruning the dead branches off during the summer - so right now would be ideal. Sanitize your sheers before doing this and between cuts (Ex: Lysol with Hydrogen Peroxide). This will kill any bacteria. Cut the branch back all the way to the main branch and don't leave a stub. On a separate note, it is normal for the inner leaves to dry out on manzanitas. Since they are evergreen, they will shed leaves and it is usually the inside leaves. I think you are doing everything right.