Lilac bushes, Joe Pie, phlox , ferns

Question: Hello!  I heard on MPR today that lilacs are blooming, unusually for this time of year.  First they look like they are dying.  I thought the horticulturalist said it was due to the cold, then heat.  but when i called the Extension office, the gal said it was a fungus.
As for Joe Pie, the leaves have holes eaten out on them.  i do not see any worms. what is it?  Also, Joe Pie has been going dormant, now sending out buds, like lilacs.
Phlox had white splotches on the leaves; fungus?
Is there a way to eliminate ferns that we never planted in our yard?  they are spreading everywhere and taking over other ground cover.  I have dug out some of the fern networks on top of the landscape fabric, but it is in many big areas of our yard.  I do not want to paint RoundUp on the leaves because it is a terrible weed killer, but please tell me another option.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 05, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT
response: First lilacs. Yes there was enough cool weather to trick the lilacs into thinking it is spring. The person you talked to may have been thinking about Lilac Blight which has been affecting a lot of lilacs this fall. Clean up the dead leaves and do not put them in your compost pile. That would keep the pathogen around to infect the plant next year.   https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=877958 Regarding holes in Joe Pye leaves.  https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=649527 Phlox may have powdery mildew.  https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-can-i-control-powdery-mildew-my-garden-phlox Regarding ferns.  https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=598213

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Linda!Thank you so much for your prompt reply!  I will read through the articles of the links.  I already read the one on tree leaves.  I will pass this on to my husband, so that he knows any leaves with blight should be thrown out and not added to his composting to prevent contamination to next year's growth.m I will also have him throw out the leaves & stems of the phlox and joe pye weed.  Thank you for correcting me on Joe Pye, which I spelled pie! I do have another question:My fuschia plant has grown flowers, but often drop off before they open up.  The one i have in my house has many buds, but seem to have a difficult time opening.  The one inside is by the north-facing window and last yeat had plenty blossoms bloom.  It makes me so sad to think that this human-induced climate crisis is the cause.Thank you again and have an enjoyable weekend!  Thank you for your expertise!SusieI will read through the links you provided.  .On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 6:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied September 06, 2024, 2:43 PM EDT
response: Your house temperature may be the problem. See this web page. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fuchsia/ Or has the air circulation changed or plants outside your window changed the amount of light that the plant receives?