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As long as the manure has been well composted (which after 12 years it should be), it is great for the garden. It is one of the best amendments for soil that you can add for any plant.

This could indicate that either the plant is not getting enough water or that the plants have thrips. Treat the plants with a pesticide (organic or chemical) and make sure the plants are getting the proper amount of water.

As these are relatively new plantings, I would guess that the issue is the water. It can take shrubs up to 6 months to establish themselves in a new location and, until they are established, they need additional water.

Typically, this time of year, there is very little softwood on plants, so you would need to look at rooting hardwood cuttings. This article explains how to do this: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/hil/hil-8702.html

You should not chill the cuttings before rooting.

If you have ants on your camellias, it is likely you also have aphids. The ants will "milk" the aphids for their honeydew. Aphids can be hard to see, but they normally cluster behind blooms or in the crutch of branches.

Treat the plant for aphids. Once the aphids are gone, the ants will also leave. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/keeping-ants-of-flowering-vines-vegetables-and-flowers.htm

1) Yes, it is also called a broad leaved yew.

2) For a shrub that large, check for your closest local plant nursery. They will either carry them or will know where you can buy one in locally.

3) I am uncertain what this plant was, but I strongly suspect that it was actually a camellia. I would contact the Camellia Society (http://www.camellias-acs.com/) to ask for a variety that fits that description.

Camellias often take their time when it comes to blooming, even healthy ones. Some varieties are prone to bullnosing as well (when buds refuse to open). This is often due to fluctuations in temperature or insufficient moisture. A lack of nutrients and poor drainage may also be factors. However, I would simply wait...your camellia should begin blooming when ready.