Tying up bulb foliage impedes its ability to photosynthesize and thereby re-energize the bulb for the following season. The recommended advice is to leave all bulb foliage in place (not tied up, not cut back, not braided, etc.) until it browns and dries on its own and comes away from the bulb easily. From the MSU extension office: "Let's start by addressing the issue of braiding (or tying with rubber bands). It may seem like a tidy practice, but it is not in the bulb's best interest. Bound foliage is partially obstructed from sunlight, and is not able to photosynthesize at peak capacity, resulting in less energy going into the bulb for next year's show. This practice can also trap moisture and encourage foliar disease. Although it is not as tidy, it is best to leave ripening bulb foliage open to full sun and good air circulation, do not bind it or flatten it to the ground." And while ripening bulb foliage is not very attractive in the garden, it is very necessary for the long term health of the bulbs. That's why many gardeners intersperse spring flowering bulbs with later-to-emerge, larger perennials, who's foliage can effectively 'hide' or disguise the appearance of the ripening bulbs.

We had a huge hosta that sounds like yours. We divided it up and used it as an border plant. The ones at the front of the garden did well, but the ones we planted at the right edge got mowed down by rabbits every year. This continued for about four years so, last September we moved them so they weren't at the edge of the garden. They're coming up very nice this year. They're smalller than the ones that hadn't been chewed by the rabbits, but I'm sure that by the end of this season, I'll be able to move them so I can continue the border of my ever-growing garden.

Oh, I'm sorry you are having problems with ordinance! Depending on what sort of community you live in, though, a meadow-type wildflower garden may not be appropriate. The critters that like to make use of those habitats are animals that many people living in cities or suburbs or towns consider "pests." Most of us don't want our neighbors increasing the population of mice and insects that live in colonies, for example. I have had great success by planting native perennials, shrubs, and clumping grasses (like Little Bluestem and Switchgrass) in a more traditional-styled garden, which in my area means mulch and rocks and stuff mixed in with free-standing plants. So while I am using prairie grasses, and prairie flowers like coneflower, I'm planting them in the way that people normally plant gardens; in tended beds with defined borders. The birds love it, and it's nice to see seed-eaters like goldfinches clinging to flower heads while insect-eaters like robins and sparrows hop around in the mulched area. I leave the dead seedheads stand all winter and they are quite dramatic in the winter landscape. I mix in some shrubs and small trees (all natives), including some berry-producers that different birds love. I do have one area that's currently weedy and is too steep to really plant in a formal way, and I plan on putting in a lower-growing grass (I'm thinking of giving prairie dropseed a try) with a small sprinkling of perennials, and I can just weed-whack the whole thing down in the fall. I must admit that while I'm a big fan of using natives and gardening for wildlife, as a city-dweller I honestly don't really want a meadow right next door to me. I think many people feel the same. So I think the idea of leaving defined areas standing with an edging border (and maybe a few nice lawn ornaments or a sign) is a good one.

if the roots are still there, they will be back. but, after all this time, that might be doubtful. my parents moved into my uncle's home years ago. every spring, after they bloomed, my dad would mow down my aunt's peonies. they would come back bigger & better the next year. of course he always waited till after bloom. if he had did it before, I'm sure there would have been quite an argument between my parents. since peonies were always one of mom's favorites. which reminds me, I should go past the house one of these days to see if they are still there. that house has been sold 3 times since then. in a week or 2 go take a good look at the ground where you think the peony is, & see if you see any shoots coming up. as long as the root is there, they will be back. good luck.