Ruh Roh...Snake in the Garden Leads to the Discovery of a Great Quote

Having just returned from a cross country trip (more on that later...), we (Tater Tot and I) went out to check the status of the VG. A neighbor graciously watered it while we were away, and I was pleased to discover ripe zucchini, poblano peppers and cucumbers. To protect the plants from the blazing sun, I'd covered the tenderest section with black shadecloth, which left a few of them looking a little blah. So, being as it's the weekend, I figured I'd give them their weekly shot of seaweed and fish emulsion. Tater Tot wanted to watch a little Blue's Clues, so I left him inside while I headed back out to tote my mix of water and nutrients to the plants.

I'd just finished one section and was about to start the other when I heard a rustle and what sounded like a hiss (it might have been the movement of the plants) and spotted a snake coming up over the side hurriedly and rushing up into the gap between the zinnias and zucchini, headlong into the beans. Not recognizing the markings, I made my own dash to the house and onto the internet. I think it was either an intergraded kingsnake or a desert kingsnake. It was startling, to say the least. Am wondering if he was just hanging out around the rocks or if he's got a nest in the deep, soft garden dirt. It appears to breeding/nesting season for these species.

Will have to figure out what...if anything...to do next.

While researching next steps, I checked out Robin Parry's Australian site and discovered a great quote at the bottom of the page:

Gardeners mend the past and rescue the future.

I Googled the phrase and it seems to be Parry's own observation. It's great isn't it? Dontcha love how finding that snake led me from my garden in the Texas Hill Country to an Australian web site to discover it? More garden variety serendipity.

Update: Nope, this is my slitherin' friend. Saw him again twice tonight (Monday) and was able to confirm that he's a black necked garter snake. 'Fraid he must go...gets too big and until Tater Tot is old enough to understand that snakes are definitely "no touch 'ems"...it's just too risky for us to have one set up permanent residence in our yard. We've got dangerous rattlers in these parts, too...found one on our property not too long ago...after much reflection, just feel that it's a slippery, slithery slope for us to breed comfort in an exceptionally curious toddler. Am actually kinda sad...I think snakes are my totem. Here's hopin' Mother Nature forgives me.