Question
I have one old pink rose bush that many of the buds turn brown before they even get to bloom.  Some bloom and then turn brown shortly afterwards.  Most of the stems look healthy, but some of them have turned VERY prickly.  More so than what they normally would be.  I'm just retired and would like to spend more time in my garden.  This bush has been like this for quite a few years now.  We transplanted it from my father-in-laws home after he passed away.  It's pretty special to us.
Thank you,
Carolyn

Answer
There is a tiny inset called a rose midge which lays it's eggs at the base of the flower bud. When the  eggs hatch, they feed on the flower buds and either damage or kill the blooms. Break open and see if you can see a very small fly like bug. Any rose spray for rose midge will solve the problem.The "very prickly" worries me as that can be a disease. It also could be the under stock on which the rose was budded taking over. However if the flowers are the same colour as the rest, then it is normal. If not then it will be the under stock growing. A photo of the rose bush close up would be a real help if you can provide one.