I found the Water Garden Garter Snake wreathed in violet
flowers while warming itself on the sunny brick patio. It was early enough in the morning that the
air was still cool, so I thought I would try for a few close-up photos before
the snake became more active. It was
probably the snake’s cool morning sluggishness combined with the protective
feel of the surrounding violet leaves that caused the snake to allow my close
approach. I took several shots before
backing away and allowing the snake to continue warming.
Snake eyes have a neat habit of reflecting their
surroundings. If the snake is
cooperative, I try to get in close enough to capture my reflection in the
snake’s eye. That’s my head and hands
showing between three and four o’clock
in the snake’s pupil. I was belly down
on the patio and about two feet away when I took this shot.
Common Blue Violets gave a wonderful background for the
snake. This native plant is quite
aggressive and will readily colonize any open ground. It has done exceptionally well at surviving
in the spaces between bricks on our patio and at filling in between the rocks
around the Water Garden .
I eliminate the non-native plants that try to grow here, so
the violets can develop without competition.
Common Blue Violets seem to be eaten by any animal that includes
vegetable matter in its diet. Ants
commonly visit the flowers to collect nectar.
The plants won’t make it through the spring without suffering some
damage from plant consumers. Sometimes
they get eaten right to the ground.
The lower petal forms a rearward projection known as a
spur. Length of the spur can vary
considerably between species and is often an important identification
characteristic. I find it amazing how
many people have never looked at the back side of a violet flower. This flower is found in millions of American
lawns, but is so often ignored.
There’s considerable competition between violet seedlings
for any available space. Only a few of
these will develop into mature plants.
Now, if I get really lucky, I’ll come out one morning to find a litter
of baby Garter Snakes lounging in the young violet plants.
I love the snake's "pose" in the first photo. Looks like a glamour shot!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn. Cold snakes are usually cooperative models.
ReplyDelete