Although it is necessary to have somewhat drier conditions in late summer and fall to induce maturity in perennial garden plants, most perennials should not go into winter in extremely dry condition. A good watering around freeze-up time, after the plants begin to mature, will put the plants in better shape to survive the winter. Watering should be thorough.
Although most lilies can be transplanted in September, it is desirable to plant Madonna lily bulbs in August. Madonna lilies start rooting at once and develop a small rosette of leaves before winter sets in, and these remain green throughout the winter. Unlike other lilies, the Madonna lily should be planted shallow. The bulb can be planted with the top of the bulb placed just underneath the soil, or somewhat deeper, but usually no more than two inches deep.
Out West gardeners should be changing their practices now to encourage maturity in woody plants so as to prepare them for winter. Reducing the amount of watering helps to do this.