I mistakenly did this to a large redbud tree when a kid about 10. Did not strip everything, but more than enough to kill the tree over time. I'm sorry the tree is good as dead, it just hasn't died just yet. Depending upon how high the striping is, you MAYBE can cut the tree off at that level, and MAYBE get a new shoot to form to assume the old canopies place. IF it does sprout it would regenerate much more quickly than a new tree, as the root system will be pushing canopy growth ASAP to replace what was lost. With that said, if regeneration is not fast enough, it still might die. Personally I would try cutting at the strip line (assuming it is a couple feet up), paint the open wood with copper to stop rot, hope for the bes, and then plant a replacement nearby. I would also do the cut NOW, so the tree does not completely expend itself trying to support a canopy that is not able to give anything back. JMHO Arktrees

Only when I was looking at camellia pictures at the American Camellia Society's Website. Those two camellia blooms are very similar. Reminds me when I was looking at the pictures. By the time I got to camellias whose name starts with a G, I was swearing I had already seen this or that one before. It would be nice if there was a source that included more than just one picture of the blooms as well as the shrub. One might notice differences more clearly that way.

Agree with laceyvail and Babs about removing what’s there. If she wants a more formal, uniform planting look, she could do dwarf shrubs, depending on how deep those beds are. If she wants color/more cottage-y style, a mix of perennials, small ornamental grasses, annuals — in varying heights and textures. I think another paved walk to the sidewalk, if budget allows, would look nice and give some definition to the yard. I’d make it a bit wider than the other walkway, and slightly flared where it meets the public sidewalk. A lamp post would be very charming on the driveway side. The ledge under the left window is cute, and if it’s sturdy enough, I’d put some small, pretty pots (or one rectangular pot) on it with flowers. A narrow trellis with a non-aggressive vine would look good on the vertical white thing by the door. Or replace that detail with a post or column. ETA after seeing her location: I googled ‘California cottage’ and saw some ideas. This one has the similar ledges under the windows. :) Also, with being in S Calif, google ‘xeriscape plantings’ for ideas of things that survive drought and heat well. And ask for advice at local nurseries, of course. For painting ideas, you might want to post on the Home Decorating board ... or download a paint app (most of the major paint companies offer virtual painting) and play around with it. HD board — http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor

I'm a big fan of off white or white or light cream on that pine paneling. Can't give you an actual color though because you'd have to check and see how it goes with your tile and floor. But love the photo's you've attached. I think you are on the right track