Usually, the aphids will be a problem only for a couple weeks at most. Then the good bug (like Lady bugs) will come along and eat 'em up--problem solved. Of course, if you have been spraying insecticides, you've probably killed off most of the good bugs--which is why you may have to stop the insecticides for a year. The next year, the good bugs should show up to help you. While you wait for the good bugs, you may have to manually get rid of the aphids for a while--gently run a finger and thumb up around a heavily covered bud. That will kill most of them there. If you are squeamish, the soap spray will help--until the good bugs come along and take over the job. Or some people use a stiff spray of water to flush the aphids off the buds. If your blooms are getting all eaten up, I'd guess you have a different bug problem than an aphid problem. If it happens, take pics and show them to us here. Maybe we can help you figure our the problem and solution. As far as fungicides go, most of Bayers products aren't that good or have some negatives built into them--my advice is to stay away from anything they sell that says all-in-one or three-in-one or anything like that. On the other hand, the Bayer spray called Bayer Garden Disease Control for Roses, Flowers, and Shrubs is excellent. Follow directions carefully, and everything should be fine after a couple sprayings. Hope that helps. Kate

There are directions for spray intervals based on disease and type of plant on the label. Here is a pdf to help out. I try to spray every other week the entire season, but sometimes do not get to it until the 3rd week. Here is a link that might be useful: Bayer Directions for use

Can't find it anywhere either, in Nebraska--some folks at the Rose Forum said it can be purchased at Lowe's, but it's not on the shelves at my local Lowe's. I made a trip there just for it, and all they had was the (expensive) three-in-one systemic drench that I DON'T want. I do find the Bayer insect control spray everywhere, just not the disease control. So, I'm still using Daconil for my fungal issues.

Yes, lime-supher mix in winter sprayed or poured with a watering can with a 'rose' head over the whole bush after you have done your winter prune and over the surrounding soil so as to kill off the (fungal) spores that winter over in the soil. And, I reckon at least monthly, spray with a fungicide such as Triphorine perhaps a bit more often if you are also suffering mildew. Good air circulation for roses is also important especially in humid areas. You might also consider varieties resistant to diseases, such as the old fashion varieties - they may not repeat flower as much as the modern hybrids but they are, generally, much more resistant.