Garlic after the rain

I shot this Polaroid the other night, just after the rain. The garlic flowers are about to burst into perfectly round, soft purple blooms. (I know because I've seen them do it the past two years - these perennial leftovers from Mr. Thames' garden. I wonder when he first planted them.)

I can't wait. But I love them this way too, on tall stalks with pointed, papery hats. Once they've bloomed, I'll cut a few to bring inside. They smell of garlic and dry beautifully.