Gift Republic: Grow It. Grow Your Own Bonsai Trees

Ok, so I got this as a christmas present this year (2010) as I love trees! and I would definatly recommend it! Here's a step by step of what to expect from my experience.

- For those put off by the previous reviews, don't be alarmed, yes the instructions are somewhat confusing, however there is more than enough to get you going.
- Also I'd like to make the point that results are not instant, will NOT appear in 8-10 days and, and will take time and effort if you want to succeed.
- Ok, so the instructions state that there is enough for two attempts?? This is questionable as the seed is difficult to seperate, so what I did was just put each sachet (4 in total) into 4 pots(out of the 5? which is also confusing). Then according to the plan, cover in a plastic bag and leave for 3-4 weeks in a cool light place. As it was christmas, I put mine in the conservatory, but any suitable place would do.
- Following that, the pots were then placed in a fridge!!! (yes a fridge) for another 3-4 weeks. Hence why 8-10 day results are ridiculous. After this they are to be placed in an area with sunlight and watered, so I put mine on the windowill at Uni.

- Now I planted mine on the 22/12/10, and after all the storing and cooling, I fist saw shoots (yes multiple but I'll explain) at about mid february, so about a month and a bit after sowing. Primarily I got around 8-10 small stalks with petals on in each pot, however a week or so later, one large shoot emerged from each pot, and now as I write today 04/04/11 the single shoots range from 4-5cm and look awesome!! I now have to leave them for a YEAR before doing anything in the way of cutting, but its worth the wait.
So just to summarise, it will take ages, the sowing process its borderline silly, but I definatly recommend it!!!!

Bought for a Christmas present, and whilst the delivery and service from Amazon was great, the Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree box set is disappointing. Instructions are very limited and seeds are in one sealed packet rather than labelled according to type of seed. The set appears to be for a beginner, but some gardening experience is needed and a book on Bonsai Trees will certainly be needed. The instructions give advice for planting, but give NO guidance about cutting and pruning. So really it's only useful if you want to grow your own random tree from the seeds provided and then go and find out somewhere else how to make it a Bonsai Tree!

Still waiting for a sign of growth after 2 months, disappointed. Hardly any seeds in the packet so the probability of germination is extremely small.