Thank you Mr Miyagi

[The Surgeon]

Hi All,

Wanted to share with you my first ever bonsai circa 1984. It’s not that impressive but it is my fave simply because it was my first. I can date it as I was inspired by Mr Miyagi - those of you younger than 30 years probably have no idea who that was!!!

So for the last 32 years this tree has followed me from house to house and was often neglected. Thought it was time to sit down and give it the love it deserves. A bit nervous but a steadying beer (for perception purposes in photos only) and I chopped and wired. Some call this a Port Jackson fig, I call it Miyagi – san.

Curious to know if any one else was inspired by that character/film??

[The Surgeon]

and after the beer!!!

[Raging Bull]

Hi Surgeon,
I'm only a (very) newbie, so don't put too much weight on my comments. if it was my tree I would take one of the lower branches off and encourage any shoot a little higher so it doesn't look like a cross. You may have a particular shape in mind, but from what I've learnt so far the cross shape of the branches is a no-no. Apart from that it has nice taper which would be a shame to hide under a lot of foliage. Well that's my

[The Surgeon]

A quick update on this one.
Removed the initial LH branch and thankfully another budded a little lower and more towards the back. Am bringing this forward and will wire it lower to be the first directional branch.

Time for a trim also.

[The Surgeon]

ooops, i meant, removed the first RH branch

[Stu]

Is that a common surgeon error?

[The Surgeon]

hahahahah - let's hope not!