(1) Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) (2) Yes (it is good for the soul) (3) It took me several years to get aligned with the calendar year (I'm weird that way). I vote for January.
I really like the fact you are posting more often. I learn from what you present and from your critiques of others' work.
As when to start... I'd say anytime you feel like it. In a sense you have already started!
Coleen, I believe you are spot on. I looked up some images of the sweet gum tree, and they looks just like this. Thanks!
Now, on the other hand, I can't start a PAD in the middle of the month. It has to be the first of the month. And I'm thinking there's a natural thing about starting 1/1/12. So we'll see.