Anita, the Catherine Mermet at the Stagecoach Inn hits close to 7 ft. tall, and easily 5 ft. wide. And it does get pruned, annually. Of course, it was planted in 1994. It gets a touch of mildew from time-to-time, but that is probably its worst flaw. Jeri

I was fortunate enough to purchase my Bermudas Catherine Mermet at The Central Florida Heritage Rose Society rose sale last fall. It is from Malcolm's collection. I almost passed her up, and am so glad I didn't. She is one of my favorites. I am in the process of teaching myself how to root roses. In the spring I will see if I can take a few cuttings from this bush without it being noticeable (she's still young). If I get any going, I'd share one. Maybe we can trade for something you have that I don't. Sandy

If you read about it, there were lace panels designed to depict the symbols for the various countries that make up the British Isles. Impressive. Frankly, I thought she looked beautiful. She had to have a dress that would be proper decorum for Westminster Abby. Even at that, I was pleased she did not try to go for the sexy, peek a boo style so many USA brides like. I love to watch bridal dress shopping shows. So many brides select the cutting edge style you want, but they would be inappropriate for the church wedding there. I do have to say that I thought Diana was a beautiful bride too. But I felt sorry for her that her gown was so wrinkled as she exited the coach that took her to St. Paul's. Her Spencer tiara and veil were so pretty on her.

I've grown both, but in my climate and my garden SdlM is for me much the better rose. The bush itself has a beautiful rounded and full shape, with no canes visible, and the flowers look almost sculpted compared to the somewhat more informal shape of CM. I'm not good at smelling most tea roses, but at the same time can't say that the somewhat beery fragrance of SdlM is one of my favorites. SdlM is however the rose that has bloomed most in my garden, and for practically the whole year, and for me rarely balls even in moister winter weather. This is really a matter of taste and also how well each rose does in any particular garden. SdlM can be a mildewy and balled mess in coastal gardens and a star in gardens like mine. I really don't know how well CM does everywhere, but I imagine it would ball less than SdlM in more humid climates,, while probably being more frost-tender than SdlM. It will be interesting to see what others think. In the final analysis, the rose you love best is the best rose for you! Ingrid