buford, I read that link. very interesting. and yes, indeed, although I did see some thrips, this is definitely bullnose. Interesting Aloha, in another part of the garden, was affected. and not freezing, as you pointed out. Well, what can you do but live with it?? I think my 'anger' of the previous evening has subsided, so the artillery I had planned for today may wait. I'll reup the garlic spray, and maybe research this Bayer drench. (yes, that autocorrect made me write Sharifa A. as it kept saying Asthma!!) thanks all, and KEEP THE ORGANIC THRIP TREATMENTS COMING!!!! btw, i just found last night pretty good reports of cornmeal as an organic treatment for blackspot, just threw all I had out there, so I will report back!!! A few are BS magnets...mind you, ALL this is happening, for the most part, to my David Austins, I am sad to say. Another vote for the antiques!!!

I'm in Alabama and I had a very similar problem on my Don Juans. Late night and early morning I found 2 types of bugs, a small green caterpillar (tobacco bud worm?) and a small orange black caterpillar. I sprayed all my roses with 1/2 gallon water/ 1 Tbsp Orthonex Insect and Disease control and haven't seen anymore bugs, the new buds look fine.

Katydids. This time of year they look like deiicate green grasshoppers but without wings.

Most likely hornworm caterpillars. That is what it sounds like as they do like eating buds before they open. They might be hiding as they are green and blend in with the leaves or already gone.(check to see if more damage occurs) I raise butterflies and moths and really love all butterflies and moths but my experience with hornworms is limited. Post this on the butterfly garden forum and ask them what you could do to find the cats and where you could transfer them to. Hope this helps Mike