My parents had a big infestation of black aphids on their golden elder shrub this year. We pruned off the worst of the stems - the aphids were mostly at the tips, at the youngest growth. I think dad also gave it a light dusting of whatever it is he uses to dust the potatoes for colorado beetles (Rotenone?) The shrub does not look any worse for wear.

This past week I cut back the finished delphiniums and I couldn't believe the aphids. I have several (?18) in a patch and every single one had aphids - my pruners, gloves and bare arms were a sticky mess when I was done. Yuck. That's the first time I've had aphids on the delphiniums - I usually get them on sedum but there's none on them this year.

Thanks Pudge! I'll try both those suggestions, as soon as the wind dies down for the Rotenone.
Kate