Question
We have used this plant extensively in the garden as ground cover. Quite suddenly the plants in all locations in the garden have developed a disease. The leaves are turning brown/gray moldy looking along with the stems, and when I took a sample indoors before long it seemed there were tiny insects flying around it.

Answer
Hi Lori...beach sunflowers usually are not bothered by disease, as you know from past experience.    It is possible, due to the dry and unusual weather that you may have white fly infestation.  Whatever the problem, you can spray with neem oil spray, which is organic, and this should get rid of the problem.  Neem does not wash off, so the only additional time you may need to spray is on the new growth if the bug returns.  If you do not locate Neem Oil use an insecticidal spray.  kathy