growing shrubs from seeds

has anyone done this?
I've got some Gaura seeds which have germinated and are growing nicely, if a little slowly.
I often see shrub seeds for sale on eBay, but I do wonder how long it takes to get a decent sized shrub if you grow it from seed!
As always, all comments/suggestions/observations gratefully received!

 

Done it a few times , in the past. It really does depend on the shrub, for example Daphne are slow growing so you are looking at 3 to 5 years for an 18 inch flowering specimen. Other things grow even slower and some grow a lot faster. Buddleja go from tiny seedling to massive shrub in a couple of years!