If you just pulled off dead leaves and little bulby-things (their roots) didn't come out with them, I don't see why it would have killed them. Did you pull all the leaves off last summer, or is there a mat of old dead leaves where they were? If there is such a mat, chances are the new growth hasn't broken through yet. You could gently stir it up a little and see. If there is just bare ground, they might still be a little slow in coming up. They look like little green rolled up pointy tubes when they arrive.

If there are no LotVs left there (and I would be surprised), you can replant anytime in the spring or fall. I would give it a little time though. And you have have a very gentle poke around and see if there's anything green in there. Good luck with your new garden!

p.s. they do like moist soil, so if (and only if) it is very dry right now, you might give them a little watering but don't flood them.

Thanks, I think I was a bit over eager. Something seems to be coming out.

Good to hear!

It's very hard to kill them.

They are lovely, but if you didn't kill them (and I doubt you did) keep an eye on them. My sister in Wisconsin has Lily of the Valley but it is taking over one area of her garden and moving out into her lawn! It can be rather invasive.

I have tons of Lily of the Valley..they were here before we bought our property. I too think it would be hard to kill them. I often dig them up as they are very profilic and get crowded. They are not easy to dig up, the roots go deep and are very strong. I know I am in zone 5a..and they will be up later in the season..Maybe your part of NJ is cooler too, but usally you guys are way ahead of us up here..martha/zucchini