Widower's secret tribute to wife, spied from above

A heart-shaped meadow in the English countryside was planted by a farmer in tribute to his late wife.

(CBS News) WICKWAR, ENGLAND - A widower's tribute to his adored wife, in the form of a heart-shaped meadow, has grown in secret in the Gloucestershire countryside, until being discovered by a hot air balloonist

The Daily Mail reports that after Winston Howes' wife Janet died 17 years ago at age 50, the farmer planted thousands of sapling oaks in a six-acre meadow in order to create a lasting memorial.

He left a heart-shaped area bare, marking the space with a large hedge. The point of the heart faces Janet's childhood home, Wotton Hill. Daffodils planted in the center of the heart push forth in spring.

The meadow is not visible at ground level, and was a family secret - until balloonist Andy Collett accidentally discovered it last week.

A 1994 photo of Winston and Janet Howes.

/ Adam Gray/SWNS.com

Howes, now 70, told the Mail that he came up with the idea in "a flash of inspiration," and that once it was completed (with the help of his son), he put a seat in the field.

"I sometimes go down there, just to sit and think about things," Howes told the paper. "It is a lovely and lasting tribute to her which will be here for years."

The two were married for 33 years.

Collett, the balloonist from Wotton-Under-Edge, said he couldn't believe his eyes when spied the symbol of love formed from the trees.

To read more on this story visit the Daily Mail website.

A heart-shaped meadow in the English countryside was planted by a farmer in tribute to his late wife.

/ Adam Gray / SWNS.com

[Valhalla0907]

Very nice. And very appropriate, as England used to be covered in forest! The world all over is becoming a managed park............

[Gloria_SEJE]

That is very sweet what he did for his wife & now how many does Men do that when their wife past.GOD BLESS HIM((:

[RealiteBites]

This story's so interesting on so many levels.

First it makes me choke up a little bit, the whole bitter-sweetness of the heart. That he's maintained all these years.

And then ... it kind of makes you wonder what inspires that kind of devotion - like what was their lives together like? Was it her, or was he a more romantic type guy? He never wanted to remarry?

And then ... WOW, how is it possible nobody noticed it for SEVENTEEN YEARS???

I guess it must be in a remote area, with no airport nearby, and it's not in the path of flights to and from anywhere? How is that possible??? (Can you tell I live in a big city? :) )

[johnlockesghost]

Sometimes people do beautiful things. Too bad that it's becoming a rarity.

[sayl2012]

Nice tribute....

[taxed01]

Love never dies.

[carolhill814]

He truely loved her and that is so rare and so beautiful.

[Ulgnud]

What a heartwarming demonstration of long lasting love. I am sorry you lost your wife all those lonely years ago Mr.Howes.

[johntate777]

You can see it in Google Maps satellite photos at 51.607227,-2.386512.

[duckz86]

The hot air ballonist should have kept the secret to himself. Obviously Mr. Howes' intention was not to announce his gesture to the world.

[erasmus111]

There is always someone who will spoil everything. Someone who just can't keep their yak shut.

[bearfoot33]

oh! get real