The artist, Linda Tegg, has reminded Melbourne of its own history in her installation, Grasslands, which graces the steps of the State Library of Victoria.

Grasslands shows the citizens of Melbourne the predominant flora, the grassy woodlands, that extended across much of what is now inner urban and suburban Melbourne. The juxtapositioning of the installation against one of the buildings that most reminds us of our European cultural heritage is asking us questions about change, colonial contact with indigenous culture and the devastation of pre European indigenous landscapes. When both library and grassland are considered in the context of a modern city and its relentless taste for development, the reminder of a long forgotten natural world is like a breath of fresh air.

It’s on until the 23rd November and after that time the plants will be given away to winners of the #librarygrasslands Instagram competition.

A great swathe of indigenous grasses that would once have grown naturally across much of Melbourne before 1835.

Redmond Barry looks down on the kangaroo grass and other species. I’m not sure whether he approves or not.

It’s not all about the poaceae; these bulbine lilies, dichondra and trigger plants contribute to the tapestry.

This young blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) forms a subtle focal point amidst the ebb and flow.

Brunonia and anthropodium twinkling amidst the grasses.