Love often shows its deepest meaning through actions that last beyond words, and few examples illustrate this better than Howard Howes’ tribute to his late wife, Janet. Over 20 years after she passed away, Howard transformed his grief into a living monument that has touched hearts worldwide.
Howard’s idea was simple yet extraordinary: to plant thousands of oak trees across his Gloucestershire farm, shaping them into a hidden heart-shaped meadow only visible from the sky. Howard and Janet shared their life on a 112-acre farm near Wickwar, where they married in 1962 and spent over 30 joyful years together. But in 1995, tragedy struck when Janet died suddenly at age 50 from heart failure.
Devastated, Howard struggled to move forward but found purpose in creating a lasting memorial. He planted oak saplings in deliberate rows so that from above, the trees would frame a heart-shaped clearing. The heart’s point faces Wotton Hill, Janet’s childhood home, symbolically linking her memory to the familiar landscape.
The project demanded great care. Large trees edged the heart’s outline, and hedges sharpened its shape, so it would remain visible for generations. Over time, the once-barren field blossomed into a dense forest supporting wildlife. Each spring, daffodils blanket the meadow, signifying hope and renewal after loss.
For Howard, the forest became a peaceful refuge. He placed a bench overlooking the heart and visits often to reminisce and feel close to Janet. “It’s a lovely and lasting tribute to her,” he said, “and will be here for years.”
Though always private, the heart was eventually discovered by hot air balloon pilot Andy Collett, who captured stunning photos that spread widely. Howard’s secret devotion turned into a global symbol of enduring love.
Despite the recognition, Howard remains humble, saying the forest was made simply to honor Janet and their love.
He continues tending the trees and flowers, even flying over the heart himself to witness the tribute he created.
Howard and Janet’s story is one of profound loss but also of love’s power to create lasting beauty. The heart-shaped forest stands as a timeless reminder that true love never disappears—it grows in ways seen by those who look closely.
