Oddities in the garden

Well, not my garden, these were in my mum's. I was tidying up a bit for her when I came across these peculiar things on top of the earth. I have no idea what they are, have never seen the like before, but they are rather striking. They are about the size of a marble, well, slightly smaller, and have these amazing coiled stems. Some sort of bulb or corm?

I think earplugs may be needed again tonight. Next door are having a party!