Question
I transplanted a rose bush last fall.  This spring, it is really healthy and full of buds ready to open but the bottom of several buds (the green leafy part covering the rose bud) look like it has a almost velvet looking white covering on it.  It does not seem to have insects on it.  One of the buds has almost opened and the small rose bud almost has a shriveled appearance.  Please help, I really want to try and salavage this rose bush.  Thanks!

Answer
What you are describing is a mold called downy mildew. This is a fungus which lives off the rose parts and dries them out so when the rose flowers they are distorted. It also does the same to the rose leaves as they look puckered. Any rose fungicide for mold or a rose disease called Black Spot, will solve the problem. If it isn't all that bad then I would try 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of water. Spray it on any white areas daily until all signs of the mold re gone.