i have tiny black bugs INSIDE the lowest portions of my hollyhock stalks. although the leaves are their usual unattractive selves and the flower blossoms were beautiful, i didn't realize i had a problem until i recently cut the stalks to the ground. i find no evidence of anything on the leaves or in the blossom pods. help what are they -- and more importantly, what can i do?

This is a horticulture question that I don't have the answer to at the moment. Our general procedure is to tell people to bring in a sample of the bug and/or diseased plant to the Extension office for analysis. That's the best advice I or the horticulture advisor can give you. Without seeing it we can't say for sure what we are dealing with. You can locate your local office by searching www.extension.uiuc.edu/state. Click on Find an Office. I hope this is helpful.