In the peaceful countryside of Wickwar, Gloucestershire, a heart-shaped meadow stands as a testament to a love that transcends time.
Howard Howes’ wife Janet died 17 years ago. Next to his farm, he left a six-acre field with a heart-shaped meadow in the middle, and in the months that followed he planted thousands of oak saplings as a tribute to her. Janet’s childhood home represents the central axis of the heart.
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The mysterious heart meadow was found by hot air balloon enthusiast Andy Collett (42), who observed the heart while flying over some woods and captured it in all its glory.
Speaking about his tribute, Howes, 70, said: “After Janet died I got the idea to make a heart in a clearing in the field. I had a flash of genius and thought it would be a great idea so I planted some oak trees, we put the bench in the area adjacent to the hill where she lived when everything was done.
I go there regularly to relax and think about things. He continued: “It is a beautiful and lasting memorial to her that will be in place for years to come.
Howes owns a 112-acre farm in Wickwar, Gloucestershire. He married Janet in 1962 and she died of heart failure in 1995 aged 50.
The only way to the hidden place of the heart is the path that climbs to the top of the rock.
“Because there are so many trees, we hired someone to handle it. We decided to increase the perimeter of the huge heart oaks with a hedge. Wotton Hill, Janet’s hometown, is depicted sympathetically. The daffodils that bloom in the spring are planted in the middle; it looks pretty. I regularly sit on a chair I set up outside,” Howes continued.
He continued: “I also personally flew over it about five years ago.
Collett said of the incredible discovery: “I have my own balloon and I’m quite a regular flyer, but this was the most amazing sight I’ve ever seen from the sky.” It was hidden so you wouldn’t even know the beautiful heart was there.
He continued: “You can only imagine the love story.”
The heart-shaped meadow will symbolize the enduring nature of love. It will continue to be a place of comfort for Howard, a place where he can feel close to Janet and bask in the memories of their life together. And for those who stumble upon this hidden gem, it will serve as a reminder of the power of love to create beauty in the most unexpected places.
In a world full of distraction and noise, the heart-shaped meadow stands as a beacon of love and devotion. It reminds us that love knows no bounds and has the power to create beauty in the most unexpected places. When we take a moment to think about the heart-shaped meadow, let’s also think about the love that fills our own hearts and the ways we can honor and cherish those we cherish.
May the heart-shaped meadow serve as an inspiration to all of us, a reminder that love is a force that can transform landscapes and touch the lives of those around us. And as we gaze upon this hidden gem, let us remember the power of love to sustain, create, and unite us all in the tapestry of life.