I am terrified of snakes. As a gardener this sometimes poses a problem, I know. After an awful experience as a child I really couldn’t care less if all snakes dropped dead tomorrow. I understand their importance and realize they are probably more scared of me then I of them…the fact is they still totally freak me out.

Our first visitor when we moved? You guessed it, a big fat garter snake. It seems that snake had taken up shop around our well where he lived quite comfortably for the remainder of the summer.  We crossed paths several times; one time in particular I stepped on his tail which almost led to heart failure. Needless to say I avoided the well like the plague from then on.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could evict wildlife from your yard? If only it were that easy (or sane). I’d be sure to write Snake a note.

Dear Snake,
Please refrain from using the yard between the hours of 7am and 10pm or you will be evicted.
Tell your friends.
Thank you, Management.

Two weeks ago today I was out puttering in the yard, dreaming up gardening ideas for the coming season, and this is what I found…

Snake has returned. And this year, he is not alone.

The funny thing is that as terrified of them as I am I have become obsessed! I check on them daily. Counting them, seeing how many I’m up against. Today’s total: 10. Holy Dina, they’re like rabbits! With their counts rising daily, this may be an interesting summer.

P.S. Dan on the other hand isn’t the slightest bit bothered by them.