We don't get much rust here in NJ, unless it come in imported on a plant via mail order. Rust looks like the orange dust from Cheetoes/Jax corn curls. We are more likely to have blackspot or powdery mildew. Your plants have blackspot. Age of plant doesn't matter, some varieties are less resistant to disease. By "Bayer rose fertilizer" do you mean one of the Bayer Advanced combination products (fertilizer/insecticide/fungicide)? These are not effective for blackspot control. The fertilizer isn't enough, the insecticide kills worms, and the fungicide can't be effective in time to prevent an outbreak of blackspot. For effective blackspot control, try Bayer Advanced Disease Control for Roses, Flowers, and Shrubs. It is a fungicide only. This can be started now, applied once a week until the disease is under control, then every 10 - 14 days. You can use a small spray bottle, and measure the product accordingly. Next year, start your fungicide treatment about a week after pruning in late March/early April. Make sure that the plants have been watered well before applying the fungicide. For fertilizing, try Espoma Rose-tone or Espoma Holly-tone. These are organic, and they also provide amendments to the soil. I also apply a layer of composted manure in the fall. Also, check the amount of water that the plant is receiving. Roses like to be watered deeply, and less frequently. The top of the soil may look moist enough, but the roots may not be getting enough moisture (even with the rain we've had this spring).

You patio area looks lovely. Now it's time for the fun stuff - the plants! You will get the most benefit from adding some structural shrubs. Just adding perennials won't give you any winter interest since they dieback in the winter and can be insignificant. Some low maintenance shrubs like Viburnums, Lilacs, Hydrangeas will work just fine and have a nice bloom in the spring/summer. Planting in odd numbers always works well and also planting in masses. I agree with Yaardvark by adding a nice ornamental tree to the right of the patio and tying the planting bed to the patio so it all connects. Once you pick all your main structural plantings (don't forget to include some evergreens to guarentee some greenery in the winter), you can add some perennials for a nice accent. For shade you can go with hosta, astilbe, ferns and japanese forest grass, to name a few! Also, when looking at the area from the secondary backdoor (not leading directly out to the patio) and your patio connection, you can easily just add a nice curving path of steppers to make that connection. That can be more cost effective and still give the same feel. Good luck!

cut out the two brown parts ... insert finger.. and FIND OUT if the soil is wet or dry ... adjust water accordingly ... then ignore it .. you finger will give you much more info than we can ... because its in your garden ... ferns looking ratty in the heat of summer.. isnt all that rare .. especially in my MI ... let in ground.plants near dry in between waterings... if its too wet.. then take the hanging one down.. water it.. then put it back up ... or move the fern in fall ... ken

I know someone n someone who is qualified will lend you a hand soon. I just have to say, that is an adorable set up with the elephant combined with that plant. It’s so happy looking. Like Air Bob!!!! Haha. I rally love it. Hoe you find the answers you neeed soon.