theaceofspades, Thanks very much for replying. That sounds better than letting the entire branch just die...but is there no way I can root the entire branch (as one giant cutting)? I was thinking maybe it could be brought indoors, put in a bucket of water...with something in the water for nutrients and then try the rooting thing where you make a cut, put a little stick in it and put rooting powder in the cut, then damp moss/plastic around it (haven't done it but read about it) - which I know is meant to be done when the branch is still attached to the tree, THEN cut it off after it roots but maybe in this case if the branch is getting water with nutrients in it it would stay alive and root inside the moss/plastic...which would be a bit up the branch from the end that is in the water? :/ :`( *Sigh*

Yes, individual cloves can definitely be saved for planting as long as their skins aren't torn or removed in the process of separating the clove. If they aren't fully protected, figure to use them sooner or peel and freeze them. Some years I have too much garlic to eat and/or plant so I just freeze it to save it. I even have unprotected cloves when I plant as once in a while the skin will tear a little as I'm separating them. But definitely keep everything dry in the meantime.

I have been using -Bonide Organic Repels-All Animal Repellen - to spray my brushes and flowers to repel deer and so far it has worked. Earlier today, I decided to heavily spray all my lilly bulbs with the Bonide and I'll plant tomorrow. I may also pick up some of the Bonide Bulb Dust.

Plant the bulbs. As stated, they do not store well out of the ground. You may not see much, if any, growth from the damaged bulbs this season but they should be fine for next. I'd have to question the "excellent" condition these bulbs arrived in. First, they are much too late for planting this season - they should be planted in early spring (late March/early April) or in fall. Second, if the new shoot growth was broken - and if shipped at the proper time, these wouldn't be showing any shoots - how can that be considered excellent shape? American Meadows generally has a good reputation - I'd ask for a refund. I'll let someone like alina 1 closer to your area give you more concrete local info, but Oriental lilies grow successfully in higher zones than yours - mine for example, as well as numerous other locations in the south and in much of Southern California. Georgia, Alabama, S. Carolina, Florida and even Texas report success growing Oriental lilies and having them perennialize well. I'd certainly give it a try.