Adam, with most perennials that have gone brown, new growth will emerge at
the base of the plant when the soil is wam enough. Since your climate is
susceptible to late freezes, I'd let that new growth do its thing and trim
the old dead tops perhaps in mid-April, when the weather starts to settle
down a bit more. Most hardy perennials can survive a fair amount of frost
though, and will replace the leaves that get killed by too cold
temperatures. The sage I wouldn't touch - it's actually a shrub, not a
perennial, and it will make growth from the woody part above the ground.
I wouldn't worry about watering your plants this month, but if you are
still in a drought in April, I'd start to water them at least by mid- month.
However, when the weather is cool/cold, they only need water every few
weeks. When it gets hot, they may need water 2Xs a week. In your climate,
summer is a rainier season, so in weeks that you get about 1 inch of rain,
you won't need to think about watering your garden flowers.
"Adam Schwartz" wrote in message
news:Aw4da.104557$F1.3657@sccrnsc04...
Last year I planted a few potted perennials for the first time. I've
never cared for perennials before. What do I need to do with them now?
When should I start watering them? I live in zone 5 (Iowa City). it's
70F
here right now but it will freeze again this week. Also, I haven't
trimmed
them at all. My sage is still a blue grey color, but the rest re brown.
Should I cut back last years growth or leave it?

Thanks,
Adam