The phlox drummondii is native (I think). During good years the mildew isn't much of a problem with them, but years like this spring, when the plants are water-stressed, anything that ever has problems with powdery mildew does. I made the problem worse by planting zinnias in the same beds for three years when my cut flower business was bigger. I garden organically so the Immunox is out.

SRS--The neem is also used to treat and prevent powdery mildew and black spot. I've had moderate success using it to treat my roses. Since it is an oil, it may just protect the foliage from the fungus spores.

'Course my biggest problem with spraying ANYTHING is keeping up with it. I have a lot of garden--both veggie and flower--and am your typical way too busy working mom. Since my son started playing sports it has knocked a huge hole in my weekend gardening time. My husband is selling at a local farmers market on Saturdays so all the Saturday sports stuff falls on me. I had to cut way back on my flower business, but I haven't yet brought myself to cut way back on my gardens. I have switched back to predominantly perennials that are well adapted to my area, but I do love all those masses of pretty blooms on a lot of the annuals.

I have started using row cover in the veggie garden to protect against insects and it is a huge time saver. By the time the row cover has to be removed when the plants start blooming, they are usually big enough to withstand some insect damage.

Joybell--you paint wonderful word pictures.

We have gotten a few showers today. Hope it keeps up overnight.

Janie