Yes you are right on. I have been wintering my lilies for years. Mine are in dishpans, flower pots and small tubs. In early Nov. or late Oct. as they are yellowing I pull up the pot and cut of the stems and leaves. Then I put each pot in a plastic garbage bag and take them to the bassement. Leave them wet but with all standing water removed. As my basement is not real cold or dark I cover them with blankets, etc. so they know they are in bed for the winter??? In the spring when I fill the pond I check on them and they are already getting little green leaves. I put them in the pond even if it is cold at that time. They just lie there till they start growing as it warms up.