Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2008

Snakes not a reason to fear, avoid your yard

During our summer heat and humidity, evening is an idyllic time to relax on the porch, favorite drink in hand, and enjoy our gardens. The evening garden is a complex sensory experience, with its soundscape, colors, fragrances and wildlife.

Fountains trickle, gurgle and splash, wind chimes resonate and tinkle, leaves rustle and nocturnal reptiles carry on their ubiquitous chorus, from deep bass to high-pitched screeches.

Water shimmers under moon and landscape lighting. Silver-leafed plants such as artemisia, lamb's ear, dusty miller and eucalyptus catch the moon's glow.

White, light pink and pale yellow flowers stand out in a ghostly way.

Night-blooming flowers - such as angel's trumpet, four o'clocks, evening primrose, flowering tobacco and moon flowers - release their fragrant scents to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. Nighttime gardens teem with activity.

Wildlife is an important and integral part of the garden environment. However, poisonous snakes are another matter. Periodically, we hear that someone saw (properly identified or not) a copperhead, cottonmouth, coral snake or rattler in a ditch, in his yard or on a nearby golf course. In truth, all of these poisonous snakes do live here in Carolina Forest. Each time we hear about a snake sighting, it gives many of us pause about working in our gardens.

Poisonous snakes are not a reason to fear or avoid your yard. They are a reason to take precautions. Always rustle bushes with a rake, shovel, hoe or long stick before you step into or reach your hand under shrubbery. Also prudent, prune shrubs 10 or 12 inches up from the ground so you have a clear view under them. Wear gloves when gardening, and don't poke your hands in holes or dark areas. Look before you reach or step. It is easy to keep yourself safe and fully enjoy your yard if you make these simple safety measures a way of life.

Now, back to the porch, the chair and the drink. Put your feet up, take a sip and consider what you might add to your sensual garden.

Note: For excellent pictures and information about S.C. snakes, go to www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes.index.htm.

Debbie Menchek is a master gardener who lives in Waterford Plantation. If you have questions, you can e-mail her at dmgha3@aol.com.