Howard Howes lost his wife, Janet, 17 years ago. In the subsequent months, he planted thousands of oak saplings in a six-acre field adjacent to his farmhouse, creating a heart-shaped meadow in her honor. The tip of the heart is oriented towards Janet’s childhood home.
The concealed heart meadow was uncovered when 42-year-old Andy Collett, an enthusiast of hot air ballooning, flew over the woods and spotted the heart, capturing its beauty from above.
Reflecting on his tribute, 70-year-old Howes remarked: “I conceived the idea of forming a heart in the clearing of the field after Janet passed away. I believed it was a wonderful concept – a moment of inspiration – and I planted several thousand oak trees. Once it was finished, we placed a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to reside.”
“I occasionally visit that spot, simply to sit and reflect. It serves as a beautiful and enduring tribute to her that will remain for many years,” he continued.
Howes owns a 112-acre farm located near Wickwar, Gloucestershire. He married Janet in 1962, and she succumbed to heart failure at the age of 50 in 1995.
The secret heart is accessible only via a path leading to its apex.
“We brought in people specifically for this task – there are several thousand trees involved. We planted large oak trees around the perimeter of the heart and then decided to add a hedge around it as well. The heart is directed towards Wotton Hill, where Janet originated. We plant daffodils in the center that bloom in the spring – it looks magnificent. I visit there occasionally and sit on the bench I created,” Howes stated.
“I also flew over it myself about five years ago,” he added.
Commenting on the remarkable discovery, Collett expressed: “I own my own balloon and am quite a frequent flyer, but this was the most astonishing sight I have ever encountered from the sky. It was a flawless heart concealed from view – one would never know it existed.
“One can easily envision the narrative of love,” he remarked.