ok, but how does one encourage them to take up residence?

That's what i want to know too.

However, that's really interesting! They love slugs? Who would have thought? Thanks Lynn.

yeah right! And let the weeds grow.

One question Lynn, are the snake and slug real?

I love garter snakes...I have a couple living in my gardens. One in the compost pile and one on the fence line.
If you have a healthy garden they will just show up. I have tons of frogs, another fav food of theirs, thanks to the pond. Toads are also a sign of a healthy garden.
I leave a lot of garden debris (leaves, small branches, etc.) in the gardens and they love winding amongst that kind of stuff.

eclayne said:One question Lynn, are the snake and slug real?

Those are made of polymer clay by goldfinch4. Amazing, aren't they?

I'd love to have a few. A friend with a more rural property has garter snakes in residence. In over 40 years in the same suburban property, I've never seen even one. I think it may be because I'm only a couple of blocks from wooded areas close to the Ottawa River. No doubt they like it better there.

Yes they are. I stared for quite a while wondering. It was just too perfect a set, and with the turquoise semps, wellll.

dave said:Those are made of polymer clay by goldfinch4. Amazing, aren't they?

Yep, they are made by goldfinch4. You should visit here store over in Cubits and see the amazing things she makes. http://cubits.org/GardenBuddie...

Lee Anne is correct. Just provide a healthy garden environment and they will come. They are of no harm to us and are very beneficial to have in the garden.
The babies snakes are so tiny and cute, the adults are very colorful. At least that is the way I see them.

I have actually seen the eating slugs.

That is a very interesting suggestion indeed..not something I would be too inclined to see in person though, not too snake inclined I guess Maybe I would try my luck with crushed walnut shells to battle the slugs

Tarev, they are quite harmless and small. They run and hide if you get to close to them. : )

No garter snakes here to eat the slugs, I think it's too cold for them.

Can't say that I've ever seen a garter snake here either. Lots of black and oak. At times I have also had coral and pygmy rattlers much to up close and personal. They went to whever snakes go. Please don't throw rocks in my direction...I love having the "good" guys, but with 4 curious dogs and living at least 40 miles from the vet the "bad" ones are not welcome in my yard or screen room.

I can relate to that Ginger.

Had a dog get bit by a rattler, had a vet right in town. Then 2 weeks later the durn dog tried to kiss a rattler again & again got bit. Sheesh! Dog had 3 lives at least.

Yeah when we lived on St. George Island 2 of my Greyhounds got nailed by moccosins. Vet lived on the island and his office was right off the causeway on the mainland so we had happy endings, but one was a close call.

Cottonmouths are MEAN!!!!!!! They WANT to bite!!!!!!!!!!! Pygmy's have nasty tempers too. Copperheads are another with mean dispositions.

I'm glad you had happy endings.

You DO know if it happens though not to let them have any water or food till you get to the vet right? It will make them worse.

No I did not know that. Thanks

Sure thing.

Never seen a snake around here, but lots of slugs. Even though it is a great idea I will pass on it, I can't handle snakes, slugs, snails or any creepy crawling critter. I've been a city gal all my life, and I'm thinking I have missed out on a lot of wonderful things. Have to over and check out all her creations on cubits.