Question
Hey Tom,

Thaks for the excellent suggestions. Concerning the aphids, wouldn't I be able to see them, I don't see any critter at all on the flowers and plant. Are they microscopic? I thought they were visible to the naked eye..please advise. Thanks again!

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Followup To

Question -
Hi Tom,
I have the above plant potted in a container by itself. Itwas doing great and then recently I have notices a gradual progression of what looks like a white power on the leaves, Is that a mold or fungus? Also, I noticed holes in the small yellow flowers, not sure if the invader who is eating the flowers is connected with the mystery powder. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer -
Hi Steven,
Thanx for your question.  The white powder sounds like powdery mildew which is a mold that affects a number of different plants and is usually due to too many plants growing in one place with not enough ventilation.  Phlox often has this problem.  As do zinnias.  Holes in the flowers makes me think there may be an aphid problem not associated with the mold.  Powdery mildew is incurable.  You can control it by not planting too many plants close together.  Some plants you just expect to get it.  Don't water them on their leaves.  Water at ground level.  The powdery mildew isn't deadly it's just unsightly.  Aphids can be deadly.  You can control them with sprays (which i don't like) from the nursery.  You can also introduce lady bugs which help control aphids nicely.  You can make a mixture of two hot jalapeno peppers and a cup of water put through a blender on puree for one minute. Drain the mixture through a seive so the solids stay in the sieve and the fluid goes into a cup.  Careful not to touch your eyes or private parts without washing your hands first.  After you get the cup of this fluid put a teaspoon of dish washing liquid like Dawn  into it and then put in a spray bottle.  Spray on the affected areas and this ought to take care of the problem.  I hope this helps.
Tom

Answer
Hi Steven,
Thanx for the follow up.  Yes, you would be able to see aphids.  They are green,yellow, brown or whitish in color and look like tiny beads with legs.  It is definitely some type of insect but it is not associated with the powdery mildew.  If you think you need to use a chemical to control the bugs (I don't like them.  I'm not politically correct, I just don't think it is good for the Earth.) use one of the Ortho products for controlling insect pests in the flower garden or...buy a small pack of lady bugs and set them free in your garden.  They will stick around as long as there are small bugs to eat and they have a voracious appetite, won't harm you or your plants  and are good for the Earth.  I hope this helps.
Tom