Have had this plant for 4 years and now it's all green
Plants with variegated leaves tend to revert back to the normal solid green with time. Certainly, most plants that grew from self-sown seed are unlikely to produce variegated leaves. More information is in this article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/variegated-plant-problems.htm
We are trying to figure out what these flowers are. They're very pretty.
This appears to be spiderwort. Here is some info on this Illinois native wildflower: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/spiderwort/growing-spiderworts.htm
I know it is not the ideal time for this, but because we are having our driveway worked on, I have to move the row of spiderwort plants that are at the edge of the driveway. Please advise on the best way to do this successfully. Thank you.
Have your new site ready before you dig up the spiderwort. Plan the move during the coolest part of the day to alleviate some stress on the plant. Make sure to get as much of the roots as possible and keep them from drying out till you get them in the new spot. Water well after replanting. Here is more information:
I have several (actually too many) spiderwort plants and divide them every 2-3 years. However they now seem to make way too many buds, but almost all of the buds now simply dry up and not bloom. I did note some black area when pulling down a "leaf" and I wonder if they are infected with something. They used to be so beautiful. The one or two buds that do bloom are very small.
This does appear to be an infection. This happens when soils remains too moist for too long without a period to dry out.
Fungicides will be in order, here.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm
If not then how?
You can but remove the flowers so the energy will go toward rooting.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/plants-that-root-in-water.htm
Is it a good idea to use miracle gro orchid plant food mist on my zebrina aka inchplant?
I would be careful fertilizing Tradescantia zebrina. Tradescantia can become quite vigorous and invasive with feeding.
If you do feel that the plant is growing slowly, then start at 1/4 strength, but that fertilizer mix won't hurt at all.
If this is in container, you can feed more often, and stronger.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm
The plants are thick with buds but they won't flower. I live in buffalo ny
It will be necessary to maintain an acidic soil while also maintaining proper phosphorus and potassium levels. Acidic soil tends to allow nitrogen to be more available. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/spiderwort/growing-spiderworts.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/spiderwort/growing-spiderworts.htm