I suggest that the white on the plants is a scale insect and the problem with the bricks in entirely different.

You DO know, don't you, that your Ligustrum is supposed to be entirely and fully evergreen?

Good suggestion. I thought for sure the white stuff was the same on the shrubs and brick. I tried Daconil initially a couple of months ago when I thought it was a fungus. It did not cover the areas very well (and apparantly did'nt work). Any suggestions on how to treat for the scale insect? Will it harm the shrubs if not addressed? Also, any ideas for the brick?

As far as the Ligustrum, I hope it will green-up in the spring. I will do some pruning in the next few weeks. See below from the Clemson Extension.

VARIEGATED CHINESE PRIVET (Ligustrum sinense ÂVariegataÂ)
Mature Height/Spread: This semi-evergreen shrub grows quickly to 4 to 6 feet with an equal spread. It has gray-green leaves with white margins, which makes it a popular shrub for brightening dull areas of the garden. This shrub may revert to the species, which has dull, grayish leaves. These odd branches need to be pruned out.

Ligustrum sinense is one of the most invasive plants in the southeast. More a problem with the species plants than the variegated ones, however, these can still set seed or pollinate others and therefore propagate themselves.

If you end up having to get rid of these, do consider something else as a replacement.

As for how to treat scale, just search for "treat scale on plants" in any good search engine. You'll find lots of info.

In your location, that plant should be totally evergreen. I suspect that the stress from the scale infestation is affecting it. Scale insects, when left totally unmanaged, can kill plants. Especially if the plants begin a downward spiral.

I have no idea what the stuff is on the brick. Look sort of like a mortar issue, but I just can't tell from the photograph you've included.

esh, you make a very good point regarding this plant. I shudder when I see it literally taking over woodland areas.