As for pollinating, I've never done gardenias before, but I know someone on the Tropical Fruits forum that hand pollinates his lychee trees with excellent success. He uses the (10/0 sable/natural fiber brush) not synthetic, suppose to be able to get it at a craft store?

I tried hand pollinating my Pineapple Guava a couple of years ago(I may have used the wrong type brush)...but it didn't work!

Good luck! Let us know if you try it...