In 1962, Winston and Janet Howes got married in the British town of Stroud. As farmers with a family, they spent many years together in South Gloucestershire.
This was before tragedy hit in 1995 when Janet died from heart failure after 33 joyful years of marriage. She had just turned fifty.
A Husband’s Tribute
At that time, Mr. Howes decided to create a beautiful tribute to his beloved wife. It remained a secret until a hot air balloon flew over it in 2012 and the balloonist spotted trees arranged with care.
Andy Collett, a passionate hot air balloonist aged 42 from Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, was on one of his usual flights in July 2012 when he saw the grand romantic gesture hidden within the six-acre field. He told the Telegraph: “I have my own balloon and fly often—but this was the most incredible sight I’ve ever seen from above.”
He couldn’t believe his eyes and added, “It was a perfect heart tucked away—you wouldn’t know it existed.” This lovely tribute can only be viewed from above; no wonder it stayed hidden for 17 years.
Mr. Howes wanted to make a spot where he and his son could go on tough days when missing their wife and mother became too hard. He shared about his idea: “I thought it was an awesome idea—it came to me suddenly—and I planted thousands of oak trees.” He shaped an acre-long heart using trees as markers surrounded by tall hedges for privacy even though it’s near a road.
Wife’s Legacy
In South Gloucestershire near Wickwar, Mr. Howes owns a farm that covers 112 acres. After housewife Janet passed away over two decades ago, he chose to plant her legacy there. About this big project he said, “We brought people in specifically for this—there are several thousand trees.”
“We placed large oak trees around the edge of the heart then decided to add hedges too.” Once finished they put up seating overlooking hills close to where Janet lived. The secret meadow shaped like a heart can only be reached by following paths starting at its base pointing towards her birthplace.“Sometimes I go down there just to sit & think,” says Mr.Howes.
For an extra romantic touch Mr.Howes mentioned,“We plant daffodils inside that bloom every spring—it looks wonderful! I visit sometimes & sit on my bench.” In 2012 he also said,”I flew over it myself about five years ago getting my private view before everyone knew about it.” In Andy Collett’s words,” you can imagine how much love went into creating such an amazing tribute for your partner.
