Snakes have territories just like any other living creatures. They do not congregate. I agree with the other poster who said that if you kill a snake, another will move into the vacated territory. Some types of snakes kill other snakes for food. King snakes, for instance, kill and eat rattlesnakes. I wouldn't want to run into a copperhead either. What is their preferred habitat? Do they like tall grasses? If so, keep your property free of tall grasses. If your compost has rodents which are attracting snakes, fix the compost so that it cannot harbor rodents and snakes cannot get into it. I live in the desert. There are seven types of rattlesnakes in this state, New Mexico. I keep most of my bushes trimmed up off the ground so that I can see beneath them and they don't offer good places for snakes to hide. Most of my plants are spaced so that they don't grow densely and offer hiding places. There is a snake free zone around the house, which is devoid of plantings. Being aware is prudent. Being proactive for your own safety is smart. Educating yourself, so that you can recognize different types of snakes is a very good thing. Lorna

Dig up more lawn? They'll be fine. They won't become crowded the first year or so anyway, & in your zone you'll probably lift them each winter. Cannas look beautiful when they're "shoulder to shoulder": they make a sort of lush green tropical arrangement. If they spread too much, you'll have some to share!

Hi everybody- this cutting is Shooting Star- WHEW- I'm a relieved- but I will definitely keep an eye on it! The rest of it is growing- a few tiny leaves are just starting to appear- & very healthy. Thanks everyone! (great group of folks you all are!) kasha77

Chiming in to say I don't pre-wash my pre-cuts, and I've never had a shrinkage issue. Love that quilt, Valarie! I have some Kaffe Fassett 6" squares I purchased a couple of years back, and now I know what to do with them. Be sure to keep us posted on your pre-cut progress, Rita! Funny Sidenote: In my head, I always read his name & pronounced it "Coffee Faucet." When I heard someone in a video introduce him, I smacked myself. ;) It still takes me a moment to adjust and pronounce it correctly (first name one syllable with long a; last name rhymes with 'bassett'). Anyone else butcher up his name the first time you read it? :)