Question
I was pruning in my garden today and was trimming back one of my ever green bushes (has green and yellow leaves).  Most of the branches were covered with little white "things".  They didnt move, and came off easily.  Also, the underside of the leaves had the white things and also had a lot of small black spots.  Do I have bugs?  If so, what can I do to get rid of them, i don't want it spreading to my other plants.

Thank you VERY much.

Answer
Yes it sounds like an insect--more than likely cottony aphids or another sucking type insect. These aphids suck the juice out of the plant and form a white substance. This early in the year you are seeing the cotton remains of the aphids but the eggs will hatch and you will see later the white moving if touched. I would check with your local garden type store and get an insecticide that will kill aphids. A systemic insecticide would be best--this will take care of your problem.