I didn't know that they would get so big, either, zuzu. I certainly love them, maybe they love me back - or maybe they just like coffee grounds and cow manure. Some are much bigger than I expected, but I don't dare complain. I am especially glad that they are robust enough to survive my early pruning attempts. Poor Wildeve had lots of die back on the canes that I cut last spring. I don't think she likes being cut back by a third no matter what David Austin says on his website. This year's strategy with Wildeve is simply cutting the older, non productive canes and any crossed canes at the base and deadheading.
I have a new surprise this year, a mystery single white rose that is taking over my rose bed. It could be a wild rose planted by a bird, a reverted sport on another rose, or a mislabeled rose that didn't bloom last year. I didn't get to that part of the bed today, but I have pictures. I'll get them together and post them on their own thread.
I focus on own root roses that perform well for others in this area. Thank goodness for sites like this and helpmefind!
