Mr. Howes’ idea was to create a place where he and his son could visit on difficult days when the loss of their wife and mother became all too much. Speaking of his plan, he said “I thought it was a great idea – it was a flash of inspiration – and I planted several thousand oak trees.” He used the trees to mark out an acre-long heart surrounded by a large hedge. Despite being right next to a road, the hedge kept it secluded and hidden from ground view.

Wife’s Legacy

Mr. Howes owns a 112-acre farm near Wickwar, South Gloucestershire. He decided to plant housewife Janet’s legacy after she died over twenty years ago. “We got people in especially to do it – there are several thousand trees,” he said of the huge project.

“We planted large oak trees around the edge of the heart then decided to put a hedge around it too.” Once it was completed they decided to put a seat in the field overlooking the hill near where Janet lived. The heart-shaped secret meadow is only accessible via a path originating at the bottom of the heart which points towards the town where Janet was born. “I sometimes go down there, just to sit and think about things,” said Mr. Howes.

For a final romantic touch, Mr. Howes commented “We plant daffodils in the middle that come up in the spring – it looks great. I go out there from time to time and sit in the seat I created.” In 2012 Mr. Howes said, “I also flew over it myself about five years ago’ allowing him a private viewing of his creation before it became famous. In the words of Andy Collett,” you can just imagine the love story’ behind creating such a beautiful tribute to a spouse.