I’ve spoken before about my love of gardening.
I guess it’s in the blood. My paternal grandmother was notoriously green fingered — as was my maternal grandfather. He was a really keen gardener and when he died I asked for a couple of rhubarb plants from his garden. I’ve written about the homemade rhubarb cordial that we make with the spoils each year and, this year, we’ve also taken over an allotment.
Even more scope for growing things!
Now, I say ‘I have a love of gardening’ — and that’s true — but if I’m being 100% honest, I rarely do any of the grunty stuff. My boy is head gardener in our household, without question.
He spends hours out there. Growing little plants from seed; tending them until they’re hardy enough to be replanted outside.
Oddly, he’s not normally one for solitude. If he’s left in the house by himself, for any reason, he has to go out. To the pub/shops/for a round of golf; anywhere where there’s other humans and the possibility of a conversation.
So I find it weird that, since my gorgeously gregarious husband has caught the gardening bug, he’s happy in the company of his plants and the local wildlife.
With father’s day coming up in a few week’s time I thought I’d get him something to keep him company whilst he’s digging in the allotment.
Enter the Hepburn Mark II radio by View Quest.
With gorgeous retro styling, this little beauty may look like an old fashioned kind of chap but with DAB, DAB+ and FM radio reception it’s beautifully styled exterior houses the most cutting edge technology.
It means that my green fingered boy will be able to access the full range of digital and analogue services across the UK — and Europe — whether he’s at home or in the allotment. And if he doesn’t have access to the mains, he can also use batteries to power it.
PLUS he can play his own music library, simply by connecting it to the iPad or phone via Bluetooth or with the inbuilt aux-in connection.
I’ve got my own VQ radio that keeps me company whilst I’m working and I absolutely LOVE it.
Mine’s the VQ Retro Mini — in an Emma Bridgewater polkadot print — but I’ve chosen a gorgeous brown leather version for my boy.
The Hepburn Mark II radio is the perfect kind of gift for father’s day! Makes a lovely change from socks — or aftershave — and is such a fab, thoughtful, present (for men of all ages).
It’s available in 11 gorgeous block colours and 5 Emma Bridgewater prints.
You could choose masculine black or antique brown leather — like the one shown here — or even pick British Racing Green or cherry red, to go with their car!
This is a collaborative post but all thoughts, words and images — as ever —
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
We always have music on in the garden without fail! Usually when my husband is doing DIY and our little girl is trying desperately to help. So I imagine we’d place a radio right on the decking where we can all enjoy it :)
#HomeEtc
It’s such a lovely radio Karen :) I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!!
My Dad would take this fishing with him and listen to Talk Sport! :) Him Indoors would use it gardening :) #HomeEtc
Aah good luck Sarah!! :)
The Bavarian would listen to it in his “hunting room”, his man cave where he does all his fly tying and keeps all his hobby gear.
It looks and sounds like a fab prize (UK entrants only – sob!)
#HomeEtc
Aaah pet!! So sorry — I should have extended it to Germany! ;)
Ah, that is a lovely radio. My dad would use it in his potting shed, my husband would listen to it while making our new raised beds. Although I love it so much I’d probably keep it and listen to it while I’m gardening! x
I’d go with the third option!! If you win Lizzie, you should keep it for yourself ;)
My Dad would have one for his garage where he spends his days tinkering with engine parts and electronics. My husband would probably have one for the garden too, keep him occupied while he’s chopping the logs for the
Good luck Jo! :)
Down on the local riverbank.
Good luck Andrew :)
I’m not much of a gardener but I love that radio! Great post :)
Thanks so much Medina :)
With my dad’s radio falling apart in the garage. This would make the perfect present. #HomeEtc
Aaah bless your dad! Fingers crossed Helena :)
I think my kids Dad would love to use it when gardening, especially as he has a lot of weeding to do right now!
Good luck Claire! :)
My Dad would enjoy listening to it in his Summer house when he takes a well deserved rest from gardening.
Good luck Sarah :)