Poetry springs up in the gardens this September

By Hannah Francis
Updated August 25 2017 - 8:05am, first published August 24 2017 - 7:00pm
Ryan Prehn and the remnant river red gum, which could be up to 300 years old, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo: Eddie Jim
Ryan Prehn and the remnant river red gum, which could be up to 300 years old, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo: Eddie Jim
Melbourne poets Maria Takolander and Ryan Prehn have written pieces inspired by the flora at the Royal Botanical Gardens. 22 August 2017. The Age Arts. Photo: Eddie Jim.
Melbourne poets Maria Takolander and Ryan Prehn have written pieces inspired by the flora at the Royal Botanical Gardens. 22 August 2017. The Age Arts. Photo: Eddie Jim.

It stands some 30 metres tall in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the precious cavities in its trunk home to cockatoos and other native birds.