Here we have visited Hever Castle in Kent and it brings back memories of my wedding reception held here back in 1993 (sounds grand but we had a very tiny wedding) but also it was a chance to view the gardens from above, speak to the head gardener and enjoy the beautiful planting and design. Hever Castle was built in the 13th century and was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second Queen Consort of King Henry the VIII of England.Much later the Castle became the property of William Waldorf Aster, the 1st Viscount Aster, a wealthy American businessman and politician. Aster had the gardens laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son, they turned the mostly marshland area into a spectacular garden, which required over a 1000 men to create the grand design. Classic references abound with a lake, rose gardens, a maze and formal settings to accommodate Lord Aster's italian sculpture collection.
