space aliens! I think pod people have nested in my flower bed...really!

I have a couple photos of who knows what. The only thing I can think of is a peony but, I don't have a peony! I did plant one from the fall swap 2007 but the dogs broke it off and it never grew. Also, I dug up that whole area, shoveling this way and that, so how could it still be alive?

Whatever it is, it looks unhappy.

Any ideas?

I put my fingers next to it to help with the size reference since my ruler is clear and did not show up well. I'm not too good at focusing the digital camera though :(

It feels like a succulent and it makes me think of the top of an asparagus.

monster's egg from outer space, two views: