G3-My 2 biggest problems

Maybe some of you have suggestions for each of these 2 problems.
Problem #1. Flaring when I shoot sky above trees, or through trees-especially if it is a bright day. Seems quite a bit more than normal. Never remember it being that much a problem in days of film. Is this a digital or camera-based, or operator-based problem?
Problem #2. Depth of field on close-ups, say flowers. If I shoot a grouping of flowers, dof will often not allow entire grouping to be in focus.

Please hold off on responses. I'll start by using the "search" feature on this board. Thanks.