Mary Stella, do you have any pictures of your problem plants?
There is a columbine aphid which, I think, can make the plant look weird and twisted by it's honeydew which makes the leaves and stems stick together. If you have pictures, Janet (JRsBugs) is the one who could probably help you identify and confirm it.
Have you tried spraying with soapy water? It might help.
I gave up on many of my columbines, too. When they're pretty, they're beautiful. But if the bugs come- (sawflies and leaf miners and aphids, Oh My!)- they can be an eyesore. I gave mine to my neighbor and they're growing beautifully in his yard. But he uses chemicals and pesticides while my yard is organic.
Karen
