Thank you! That's what I *thought* but the beds will be off the driveway and back patio, and I worried that would be a convenient place for a post-driveway snooze... my worry is my youngest ones (2,4) who like to "help" me garden.

We are on a cleared field (minus our residence, barns, drive) and the rest is wooded, (with a creek bed, so yay snake heaven, ugh) in MD. They've been learning what copperheads look like, but are still young enough to think "hmm let me poke that thing".

Thanks for the quick response!

The only time I have ever came in contact with a copperhead was when I was looking for one. There shy snakes who don't get seem to get in areas with people much. you would be much more likely to find one in that wooded creek or around the barn ( eating the mice ) area than anywhere near your home. Id say the chances you or your children will ever cross paths with one is very very slim. garter or corn snake would be a better chance but both are harmless.

They will hang out under rocks, too. I always lift large rocks from the far side so the rock is between me and whatever might be under it.

Copperheads, like most snakes, prefer to be camoflagued. So unless your hosta are wood or rock colored you should be safe from copperheads.

Copperheads will often vibrate their tails as a warning if they are disturbed. They don't have rattles, but you can clearly hear the tail hitting the ground or vegetation. If you hear this sound, back away slowly and give the snake a chance to leave. You might see if you can find this sound on the net and have your kids listen to it so they recognize what it is and can avoid it. These are not aggressive snakes, so will not pursue a human, but instead will leave an area where they have been disturbed.