I have sprouted my first seeds ever this winter for bonsai. The trees are Jack Pine (Pinus Banksiana) and they were super easy to sprout, especially since they are one of the few species that does not require stratification. I have ordered 5 different types of seeds over the past year, and those were the only ones that actually were delivered. Good luck with finding a kind of tree to bonsai that suits you. Although Jack Pine is perfect for your zone. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Good news everyone! I started my impatiens March 1st and today is March 5th and they all are sprouting! Yay! I can barely believe how quick they germinated the packet says for one flat in 14-21 days the other flat ( different variety impatiens) says 21-28 days till germination. All I can say is thats a blessing for sure! I been keeping the light on the seeds 24/7 and it has been a steady temp between 73-78 (soil temp) since I turned the one out of two light fixtures off the second day. I will most likely remove the dome once the seeds have lost there shell. Then once they all are completely germinated I will turn the light off at night, it generally doesn't fall below 65f when the light is off. Does this sound like a good idea???

I'm not sure if it's difficult or just time consuming...Boxwood grows quite slowly; most gardeners prefer the faster reward of cuttings. Buxus microphylla , sow @ 70ºF, if no germ. in 4 wks, move to 39ºF for 4 to 12 wks, recycle (multiple cycles may be required) Buxus sempervirens , sow @ 70ºF, if no germ. in 4 wks, move to 39ºF for 4 to 12 wks, recycle (multiple cycles may be required) But I've never found ripe seed on my own (and I've looked). My 16 plants in three very dwarf varieties don't lend themselves to cutting for wreaths either, wish they did...

Did you even read what I wrote. Just exactly what is genus in simple terms--the family Websters dictionary definition of genus. Main Entry: ge·nus Pronunciation: \Ëjç-nÉs, Ëje-\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural gen·era \Ëje-nÉ-rÉ\ also ge·nus·es Etymology: Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind  more at kin Date: 1551 1: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic ; specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the FAMILY and the SPECIES, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and being designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun 2: a class of objects divided into several subordinate species No one is disputing that Balsam is of the genus Impatiens. but there are vast differences between species. All I said was that it would be helpful if people identified the species and not just the genus.