A Heart That Grows: The Story of Howard Howes’ Tribute to His Late Wife
In 1995, Howard Howes, a farmer in South Gloucestershire, England, faced the unimaginable: the sudden d**th of his wife, Janet, from heart failure at the age of 50. Grief-stricken but determined to honor her memory, Howard sought a way to create a lasting tribute that reflected both his love for her and his connection to the land they shared.
After months of reflection, he conceived an extraordinary idea: to plant thousands of oak saplings across a six-acre field on his farm, leaving a heart-shaped clearing in the middle. The heart, meticulously planned, points directly toward Janet’s childhood home, symbolizing both the origins of her life and the enduring connection between them. Over the next few months, Howard carefully planted each tree, ensuring the shape remained perfect and the heart’s point aligned just right.
Once the planting was complete, Howard added a simple seat in the middle of the field, overlooking the hill near Janet’s childhood home. This spot became a personal sanctuary, a place where he could sit and remember her, surrounded by the young oaks that would grow and thrive over the decades. For Howard, the project was more than landscaping—it was an act of devotion, a living memorial that could grow and breathe, just as their love had.
For nearly two decades, the heart-shaped meadow remained a private tribute, known only to Howard and those closest to him. Its existence was a secret, hidden among the woods and far from public view. That changed in 2012, when 42-year-old hot air balloon enthusiast Andy Collett flew over the South Gloucestershire countryside. From the air, he spotted the striking heart-shaped clearing and captured its full glory in photographs, revealing Howard’s remarkable tribute to the world. The images quickly circulated online, touching thousands with their beauty and the story behind them.
Howard, now 70 years old, described the idea as a “flash of inspiration.” He explained that the heart was not only a visual tribute but also a way to leave a legacy tied to the natural world. Planting the oak saplings was his way of creating something permanent—something that would grow, flourish, and endure as a symbol of love long after Janet’s passing. The trees, like their shared memories, became living reminders of a bond that death could not sever.
The heart-shaped meadow has since become a symbol of enduring love and devotion, inspiring others with its blend of grief, hope, and creativity. For Howard, it remains a deeply personal memorial, a quiet space to reflect, remember, and celebrate the life of the woman he loved. For the wider world, it is a breathtaking testament to the power of love to create beauty that transcends time.
