An Uninvited Guest To My Garden

(google photo)

And, she is not welcome in the future . Females are bulkier and longer than males .  Yes , this is a Garter Snake and my quiet response to seeing her at my feet was "Oh, my God".  I had been watering my red planters and she was lying somewhat coiled between the two daylily plants .  She was not there a few moments before when I went to the garden to specifically water the planters.

I slowly moved away and walked to the other side of the house to get my camera .  By the time I returned she was on the sidewalk - at red symbol on upper right side of below photo .

Yes , she was very long and was slowly slithering (yes slithering) along the sidewalk and eventually left the sidewalk and took shelter under the nearby Azalea Plant .

I think this is the closest I have ever been to a snake and I am still feeling very unnerved by the experience !  I have seen snake skins occasionally but this has been a very different story !  I have been spending a lot of time in my garden even though my back has been very troublesome .  I take many many breaks along with the use of ice packs and that makes it possible even though I am never without pain .  Where there is a will there's a way even though modified ! It troubles me that I have spent a lot of time close to the ground and sometimes on my knees ! I hope the snakes don't want to bother me any more than I don't want them around me .  The warmth of the sun draped ground can attract them out from shelter .  They are not poisonous but they will bite if startled !  I am so thankful I did not step on it !!!

This post is far different than the pretty flowers that I planned to show you .  That will wait until next time .  The garden is very pretty and I think I have enjoyed it more than anytime in the past .  It is one of the many blessings that I am feeling during these challenging times .

Blessings to all of you .

Mary