Spring is in the air!

  Ahh, yes!  Spring is in the air!  Both of the wisteria arbors are in full bloom, the Cherokee Rose has the east arbor snow white and a myriad of smaller flowers are blooming.  The birds are all nesting in and amongst the rose brambles so there is a flurry of action in the gardens. Plus!  Plus, it is time for old friends to drop in for a visit.  Spring is definitely in the air!

  Mark and I spent the day building raised beds for the remaining space in the Rose/Herb Garden.  Since the critters have taken a liking to the roots of all plants, raised beds were the only recourse.  These will hold vegetables and herbs.  Most of the flowers will still be in regular flower beds but all of my hanging baskets will be replanted with herbs. Hopefully, all of these preparations will keep the critters at bay for at least a while!

  While we were busy, I needed to make a trip from the Rose/Herb Garden to the "building station".  These two areas were on opposite sides of the yard so the trek went through the garden gate and across the little footbridge.  Or at least it was supposed to follow that path!  As I opened the south gate, I was greeted by an old friend!  Perhaps I should say that I almost stepped on my old friend!  Just before the small bridge that spans the gravel-filled drainage ditch, a four foot long Southern Black Racer was sunning itself.  What a beauty!  I stopped just short of stepping on the snake.  "Well, now!  Look at you!" I said. (Yes, I was talking with a snake.)  My friend never budged an inch.  I eased backwards to scoot inside for the camera.  This snake has been photographed more than any other, I do believe!  When I returned, my friend had not moved an inch.  It was enjoying the sunshine as much as I was.  After a few pictures, I put my camera back inside and once again attempted my errand.  The snake was still in the same position.  It was situated right in front of the little footbridge.  "Well, I guess if it is all the same with you, I will just step over you."  Since the snake did not answer, I assumed it had no qualms with me continuing my walk.

  After about ten minutes, I needed to return to the Rose/Herb Garden for another measurement.   As gingerly stepped on the footbridge.  I did not wish to disturb my friend from its basking.  Sure enough, the snake was still sunning.  I stepped over it once again and headed to the gate. At that very same time, Mark came out the front door.  I motioned for him to look near the footbridge.  We both stood admiring the sheer loveliness of the Black Racer.  After about five minutes, the snake had just about enough of us gawking at it.  It turned back toward the footbridge and slithered beneath it.  Perhaps that is where it hibernated this past winter.

  The presence of the snake made me happy.  Every good garden needs a snake or two in it to help with the bug and rodent overpopulation. This four foot Black Racer will do a fine job catching anything that dares enter the garden and with its size, it should not have to worry about too many predators chasing it!  Welcome, Black Racer, welcome to my garden!