Recently, my mother sent me home with some lovely perennial bulbs that I'm just dying to plant in the front of my house; however, my area is currently experiencing rainy, dreary weather for this time of year, so I likely won't be able to get them in the ground anytime soon. The bulbs are from her friend's garden, and they were sent with the plants still attached. Of course, after waiting for pickup and then traveling, the plants are now mostly dead. My questions are:

Should I go ahead and put them in the ground this year, or should I wait until next season?

If I do plant them this year, should I remove the dead plant parts first?

If I need to keep them without planting for a week or two, should I take any specific steps to ensure that they remain healthy and valid?

I'd greatly appreciate the help! I'm rather new to working with bulbs!

Thanks in advance!

Rona