You are describing normal behavior this time of year. There should be ample new shoots at the base. If the old growth is still turgid and not losing too many leaves, let it stay until it has finished contributing to the plant's vitality.

I have a nice patch of Salvia chamaedroides (Mexican Blue Sage) and have read that the plants should be pruned back to stimulate better growth. Many, but not all, of the spent flower tops will drop off eventually, but i am still unclear on how much should normally be pruned back and when. Old growth that no longer has leaves would normally get pruned out anyway. For other healthy growth should i just trim the tops, prune about midway down, or do a hard prune to ground level? And when should this be done, say in the fall, near midwinter, in the spring before new growth or another time. TIA.

Librarylady:
I would say depends on which Mexican Sage you have.If
Mexican Bush Sage (S.leucantha) or if it is Mexican Sage S.mexicana or a few others.
Please narrow down my options.Then I can better answer your
question.
Thank You
Art