Vinca minor - periwinkle

And it has escaped from cultivation. Years ago I saw acres of it in fairly remote woods in upstate NY.

Not sure of the snake, may be a copperhead, tho the ones I've seen had more distinct topside patterns and their head was a bit different. If you want to ID it, might try one of the other forums here.

No copperheads in Mn! Bull snake?

I have that vinca in my yard. It's very prolific. I think some would say invasive.

The Red bellied snake or commonly called 'Pine snake' are generally small snakes so if you have one that's 12"L., it's a big 'un. Harmless, I'd see them out on my old place on occasion.

There are occasion sitings of cotton mouth and rattle snakes in the far southeastern corner of MN, around the limestone bluffs but confirmed sitings are rare and generally occur in the hot part of the summers by hikers.