Warning! If snakes give you shivers, look no farther. 

But, if you enjoy God's little surprises in nature, you may get a smile out of what I found in a sunny corner of our garden this afternoon:

These harmless garter snakes discovered a warm spot off the cold, damp ground  atop this lavender plant.

I had just thrust a trowel into the ground next to them, not seeing them, and I must admit I stifled a shriek when one of the three (count them) heads lifted and flicked a little red tongue at me. But I didn't bother them and they didn't bother me, even though I hope they move over to the neighbor's side of the fence before I come back to work in that part of the garden.