[Hey Jude]

I didn't dig up my chrysanths before Christmas and though they look appalling I can see what I believe are tiny green shoots at some of the bases, now, do you think they are really new shoots (seems a bit early to me), or do you think it's wishful thinking and that I should order new plants. Thanks as ever, Jude.

[Kleftiwallah]

Never grown 'em in my life, but I would cut down the old growth, if not done in the autumn,  and pop a small cloche to bring them on a bit. 

These were about the only flowers to be seen on allotments 'when I were a lad' !   Cheers,   Tony.

[Trillium]

Yes, that's how chrysanths come back, although it is a bit early, so the cloche idea is good. the old growth is probably sheltering the new growth so once you cut that away you'll need protection for the young shoots.