PLANTING FROM SEED: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica)

I planted the crape at the same time as the Redwoods, had about as much success as with the redwoods too. They needed to be soaked for twenty-four hours in water then sown. All that is required is water, warmth and light. They seem to be very sensitive to colder weather in the early stages, several didn't make it when I attempted to acclimatize from inside to outside conditions. Summer is coming but right now the weather still can dip in the 40' and 50's during the night. After about two weeks for germination they started growing slowly, those that were getting all day full sunlight seemed to grow slower than those getting partial sun for part of the day. Growth still seems slow after five weeks. Initially the growth was green but has turned to red and green now. The picture are of the two most grown plants. I used potting soil and vermiculite. About a 50/50 mixture.
Once again I am not an expert yet on Bonsai, I am still learning. If anyone has any helpful ideas or suggestions please feel free to comment.

PLANTING FROM SEED: Coast Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens)

This is my first attempt at growing bonsai from seed. I ordered a good variety of seeds from a company that sells seeds for bonsai as well as for trees and other plants http://seedrack.com/bonsai.html .
The first thing I planted were Coast Redwoods (Sequoia Sempervirens). According to the sowing instructions (each seed type came with sowing instructions) a germination rate of less than 20% is normal. i got about a 25% percent germination so far. they required no special pre-germination requirements. They also seem to be my most successful plant so far and the hardiest so far too (summers coming but it still dips into the low 50', high 40's at night. Very little effort has been required for this species, just sow, water and sunlight. Pictures are of two of my four plants, with two weeks or so germination and about five weeks of growth. They get a full day of direct sunlight, but I will be moving them soon to full and partial sunlight as the leaves seem to be yellowing a bit. I used potting soil and vermiculite at about a 50/50 mix.
One note: I do live in the desert so I have to water more, but we get a lot of bright sunlight, even in winter.

This is one of my Japanese Junipers

My first Post

I am not an expert at growing bonsai, but I do have some experience and am learning more everyday. I live in the desert and this can present some interesting challenges to a bonsai enthusiast.
I have several that I have purchased, including a few japanese junipers, a ginseng, a japanese maple and elm. I have decided to try my hand at growing more from seed and clippings. I intend to post as much information as I can about my successes and my failures and anything I may have learned.