Mary, I don't see many snakes here. There's a black racer (or maybe more than one) that comes out every spring, but then I don't see much of him, haven't seen him in a long time. I see chicken snakes (rat snakes to some) every now and then, mostly in spring. I saw a garter snake a few months ago. I think snakes must retreat to other woods when it gets hot, maybe creek side? I've seen 3 copperheads in 20 years, a few speckled king snakes, and somebody saw a coach whip years ago, but I haven't seen one myself. My neighbors had a big rattlesnake on their property that they shot, and there are said to be cotton mouths (water moccasins here) down by the creek. I don't think you'd have any problem with snakes as long as you didn't get land with a creek running through it.

In order for milkweed to grow, you'd have to buy already cut over land or cut it yourself, or buy an old pasture, which would be the best, no stumps! If you kept the weeds down between plants, then you could see your every step you take, and wouldn't accidentally step on a snake, which wouldn't likely happen anyway, because snakes are shy, they'll run away from you as soon as they hear you. I think buying pasture land and planting milkweed is a great idea! You could be Mary the monarch lady! :)

Congrats on all those eggs! I imagine the last instar cats could eat the tough leaves. They may not like them as much, but they'll do.

Sherry

OMG...I have a subdivision lot here in TX (ya, I know!!), and I've had a coral snake on my driveway, lots of copper heads in the back, at least 2 water moccasins, nice little ribbon snakes, some rat snakes, etc. The venomous ones are the problems and my poor dog has been bit by a copperhead twice. We are about 1/4 mile from a creek. My milkweed is in huge pots and I make sure that I can see the ground everywhere I step!!

Sherry, I am encouraged! Kaboehm, now I am discouraged! :-)

Seriously, I know in my heart that our native snakes don't want an encounter with humans but just the thought of reaching under a plant and discovering a snake is scary. Just being a foolish old woman!

Yes, Sherry, I agree. An old pasture would be perfect for growing native milkweed. If I can locate a small piece of land close in I might just do that. I'm removing plants in a section of raised bed this fall to prepare it for growing more milkweed next year. For the past week, I have at least one Monarch in my garden every time I look. I wonder if they hang around or if these are different ones? I've never seen so many Monarchs and hope this means the numbers are improving this year. Sometimes I just sit down to watch and enjoy them. Coming back up on the deck this morning, a big giant swallowtail was up there flying about a tiny Rue plant I have growing in a big pot. As I watched, it landed and laid an egg on it. I ordered some of those big tulle bags with the drawstrings that someone recommended and I think I'll cover this plant with one of those to try and protect the egg. Once it hatches, I'll have to move it down to a larger Rue plant, which I will also cover. The little cats always disappear when I try and leave them outside so I'll try bagging the plant and see if they can survive outside. I've got so many Monarch babies to feed and tend now, I've no time to try and raise other little cats.

Mary