Lily Question- leaves at base of plant

[monikalina]

So it’s my first fall with the new pond. Water temp here is still about 68 degrees (SoCal). I noticed my hardy lily is no longer sending new leaves to top of water but has several opened leaves at the base on top of the gravel. These leaves are very thick and not flexible like the normal leaves at the top. Is this part of its winterizing process or something else?

 

[addy1]

Mine have those small leaves when I do winter grooming. I just leave them be.