they are decomposing the mulch ...

absolutely.. and completely have nothing to do with the roses ...

and i am surprised black spots disappeared after spraying .... i presume its not infecting new leaves.. but i dont recall treatments making old black spot disappear ... but perhaps memory fails ...

there are 2 or 3 rose forums ... if you want to learn all about roses ...

ken

ps: the yellow leaves were probably due to mistreatement .. as in not enough water ... in a pot.. at a job ...

looks like a group of aphids have resided on one single blade of grass

Check the photo here under "Slime Mold:"
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/fungi_in_lawns_getting_interesting

Missing, I suspect that you are absolutely correct about the slime mold on the grass. Also not harmful.

And ken is right about the mushrooms.

David, I'm glad that you came here for some ideas. Can you get a decent picture of whatever it is on the grass, just to make sure? If it is slime mold, spray it away with the hose. It, too, is harmless to the grass.

Do you work for a landscaping company?

David, even if it is aphids, you'd use strong sprays of water to get rid of them, too.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I guess it was a little coincidence that the roses had fungus and the only place In the yard to get mushrooms are right next to the roses. The aphids , however, are aphids.

Yes, I do work for a small design and build landscape company. Everything I've learned has been from experience. I have studied and taken the Georgia certified landscape professional exam, and failed. But I am still learning new things everyday as you can see. I love this field and will continue to pursue my certifications.

Good for you, David. Being observant is key to becoming a good diagnistician.

Explain those little white fuzzy things to me. I'm not seeing aphids but it could be the picture. Sure does seem very fuzzy but nothing like woolly aphids.

Perhaps pupal cases from the victim of a small, non-sting wasp?