Newstead’s Roger McKindley has used his time during the Covid lockdowns and restrictions constructively.
He’s constructed numerous new sculptures, adding to the ever-expanding collection at the unique attraction that is Antares Iron Art Garden.
If you’ve visited Antares before, expect a few new additions now as Roger opens Antares to the public throughout this Melbourne Cup long weekend – plus the following weekend as well.
“I’ve made a lot of new metal sculptures,” the iron art garden’s creator says.
“Over the past two years I’ve probably made another 40 new sculptures from the very small to the large.”
Roger handcrafts all of his idiosyncratic pieces using all manner of recycled and metallic materials and objects to cleverly complement Antares’ expansive rural vista.
Antares is entirely off grid and the hardy trees, shrubs and flowering plants that thrive here provide excellent indications of what works in a tough, dry climate subject to occasional killer frosts.
The old schinus molle or peppercorn trees remain gnarled, standout beauties at Antares.
“I’ve got no mains power and I’ve only got tank water so trees are my main thing for shade and colour,” Roger says.
“I’ve created a new entrance to the side paddock and many new metal sculptures are in there.
“It’s ongoing, all the time. I’ll only stop when I’m injured.”
Antares was among the gardens originally intending to open over Melbourne Cup Week as part of the region’s biennial Festival of Gardens.
In the wake of Covid and the resultant cancellation of the wider festival, Antares is now among the handful of gardens that are now opening independently to the public over this long Melbourne Cup weekend – and in some cases throughout the entire Cup week.
Others opening their gates are Lixouri at Barkers Creek, Laceys’ at Newstead, Mica Grange at Sutton Grange, Forest Edge at Muckleford and Mossbank in Castlemaine. Read more in today’s Mail 30.10.20…
