I had a lilac bush that attracted ants
Any plant or shrub has the potential to attract them, but some can repel them once they are mature.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/home-remedies-carpenter-ants.htm
An aphid infestation can be to blame, as well. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/plants-that-repel-aphids.htm
My Rose of Sharon is broken at the trunk; what can i do to save it? She stands about twenty feet tall. We live in Grand Junction Colorado. Thank you
Just cut it down! They are very hardy, and really enjoy a good, complete cut-down every few years. They will come back from the stump with much more vigor.
Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm
This article will offer information on pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/pruning-rose-of-sharon.htm
Ants are eating the bottom of my rose a Sharon bushes and killing them
They are likely farming aphids, which would be attacking your Rose of Sharon. Your photo did not come through, so I cannot confirm, but this is very common.
There may be two problems to correct.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm
We've been giving it more water and a big drink of miracle grow. It's in a sunny area. We live in Nebraska.
Patience and correct watering will be key. I suspect overwatering. Make sure that the ground is completely dry down to about 3 inches or so before watering. You will have to check by hand if you don't have tools to do so.
Alternatively, just let nature water the shrub. Underwatering is much better than overwatering.
The same goes for the vegetable patch, too. Saturated soils that remain that way for too long will cause rot. Just be sure to give it adequate time to dry out between watering, or only water during times of drought.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/watering-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/pruning-rose-of-sharon.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm
Have a dead tree that does have one branch with buds and we would like to try to root it so it would grow. Is this possible and if so how do we do it?
Yes. This article explains how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-plant-cuttings.htm
I have several Althea Rose of Sharons at varying levels of maturity, and for some reason this year nearly all seem to have strange, long/thin top growth. There do appear to be the start of some buds, but nothing like I have normally seen over the past 4-5 years. I did some pretty aggressive pruning in late winter, so not sure if that has anything to do with it? Or if pests or disease may be affecting my normally robust shrubs?
Many times, this is a response to lack of light. This can be due to shading from large trees, or other structures that have been erected, recently.
It should not cause much trouble, but they may appear to "droop" with age.
Here is an article that will help you to care for the shrub:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm
I have rose of Sharon seedlings that have taken over my Lily bed. Is there some way I can eliminate the seedlings without damaging the lilies?
Yes, pulling them by hand will ensure that you do not damage any other plants in the area. Keeping them pulled and diligence will be your best options, since it may be hard to find a poison that will not harm your lilies, also.