I've given serious thought to growing Constance Spry if I ever figure out the right place. Not only is it a once bloomer, but it is also a big, big rose. It needs a large space where it can spread out and make a statement, but not be a disappointment when the bloom is done. I thought I had a place for it, then discovered it was almost solid bedrock when I started to dig. Didn't like to do that to a plant, so I gave it away. If I ever find the right spot I'll try again. My oldest existing Austin is Propsero (1982). I grow half a dozen middle period Austins, Jude the Obscure (1989), Sharifa Asma (1989), Brother Cadfael (1990), The Prince (1990), Golden Celebration (1992), and Molyneaux (1994). Of the more recent introductions, I grow two, Malvern Hills (2000) and Munstead Wood (2007). I've grown a number of others over the years. Some disappointed, some became diseased, and some died. Rosefolly

She was one of the first big florists roses, because she did that slow swirl-open thang that you crave in an HT. She IS good as a cut-flower, tho because the petals are delicate, I would condition the blooms well. In my climate, she mildews some, off and on, and that negates her cut-flower value for me, but that should not be a problem in your climate. I find her color "blah," and like 'Bridesmaid' a lot better (but Bridesmaid does not much like it here). In our current push to lower our numbers, both will soon leave us. But a GOOD Catherine Mermet really is a nice thing, if the color works for you. Jeri

One thing that appeals to me about the new Austin is the red buds nesled against the white blooms. YES! I love that effect, too. It is what attracted me to Aimee Vibert, Duchesse de Grammont, and now Little White Pet. My two newer Austins have both disappointed somewhat. Queen Anne has already been given away. Rosemoor I'm holding onto for a little longer because the foliage is very nice, and the flowers do have some old rose scent, though it's not the "powerful" fragrance I was expecting based on descriptions. It's a mean thing to say, but sometimes I wonder if Austin's best roses are behind him. I wonder if he has reached the same dead end as the 19th century nurserymen did. How many cup shaped fully double petaled roses can you produce before there are too many and they all look the same? (Still, I often fall for the pictures, too, so maybe there's never enough?) But I do hope you get William and Catherine and really love it.

An own root gallon of Talisman, Climbing (climbing sport of Talisman) arrived here mid-April from Angel Gardens in Alachua, FL. It gets full sun from 10-4, perched in a pot on stone steps that burn bare feet in the heat of the day. Well branched & ready to flush again for the fifth time this year, there's been nothing whimpy about it. The blooms are surprisingly large for such a young plant, confections of apricot, copper, pink & amber gold with strong rich perfume of fruit & spice. They held a week or more in high heat & humidity before shedding their petals. Very impressed with its clean foliage so far in this no spray garden. Both bush & climbing versions are considered nearly thornless, and this one's shown no thorns as yet, another plus for placement & especially appreciated in a climber. Loving this one!