I do as you do and leave six inches of stalk on them. Trouble is they can come up miles away the nest year. I have large hoops round them not to stop the dogs though so that helps.

I have grown lilies for over 30 years and I STILL step on them despite the methods y'all are using. My "brilliant" solution is to plant 6 bulbs where I want 5 lilies so that I still get a decent show. This year I broke off 2 Silk Roads that were at least 1 1/2" in diameter. :((

Well, I try to not walk in my beds...that helps a lot. Place stepping stones, you'll avoid compaction too.

i have also snapped off a few stalks wandering around in the garden despite the best of efforts. I like the idea of stepping stones. been thinking about it for a while and this thread is an inspiration to do something.

pathways and stepping stones......

I thought I was the only one who stepped on lily sprouts!

Glad to know I'm not the only klutz in the bunch.