I can envision for you a small structure like you mentioned, with window boxes on the structure's sides. It could be very cottage-feeling, if that is your style. Like a gingerbread play house look. You may want to do an add-on (keep it separate) to house tools, so it will have some purpose. The main thing is to make sure the propane people have adequate access. You may want to ask them before you build anything about codes or access issues you need to address. The last thing you want to do is build something then have to tear it down. And, they won't care how much effort you put into something. They want EASY access. You will probably need some kind of 'chimney' or 'windows' (open, not glassed) in your structure, and several vents placed at the bottom. All propane tanks leak a little, eventually, and you don't want it to build up. It needs adequate ventilation. Talk to your propane company about that, also. (If they say their tanks don't leak, don't believe them!) Good luck with your project. I understand your need to disguise the tank as close to your patio as it is. But don't rush into it - I would hate for you to build something that doesn't have the adequate requirements that this may need.

Snakes are typically animals that prefer "edge" habitat - this habitat is often the area at the meeting of say, a forest, and perhaps what naturally might be a field, or a clearing. This edge habitat can be artificially created by humans in the form of agricultural lands or grazing lands, but also in the form of say, gardens. The benefit of these edge habitats is that it gives snakes ample opportunity and options to better thermoregulate, not to mention the fact that many species of prey animals (predominantly birds and mammals) are also attracted to edge habitat. Now, piling up a bunch of rocks in this already beneficial edge habitat can provide these animals with yet a better opportunity to thermoregulate. In essence, laying out rocks (especially if these rocks have space beneath them) is no different than what many scientists and field herpers do when they lay out boards and tin - they are creating artificial cover to (for the sake of argument) better observe/attract animals. I myself have personally laid out rocks, tin, and boards to attract animals in the past, and much of the time such effort is successful. Inadvertently several years ago I piled a large number of rocks in an area of my yard that was virtually unable to be gardened - within a few weeks I was seeing numbers of racerunners and fence lizards utilizing this rocky area (I had never observed racerunners anywhere near my yard until this incident). As for the issue with water, a birdbath certainly would not cause a snake to come to your yard whereas a larger body of water (a pond for example) might be enough to attract some species, especially during times of heat and drought. I would be rather interested in seeing the citations to such papers that state where copperheads utilize morning dew as a source of rehydrating themselves, if they could be provided. Now, to get to the question at hand, I completely agree with Erik. You really can't deter these snakes from using your yard, but then again as he stated, while venomous these snakes are highly inoffensive and quite beautiful. I have literally stepped on these animals before (unknowningly of course) and they have remained unaggressive. If they are in your area, just use a bit more caution and "look before you leap." I would rather enjoy finding the occasional copperhead in my yard! I hope this helps ~Mike

Back in the 80's when grew it I was getting $27 a bussel at the farmers market they were bidding on it at the scales before i got the truck parked. When the price dropped to $15 a Bushel I started looking elsewhere for a buyer I found a Restaurant that would give $20 a Bushel that was 1's & 2's grade they would buy all could produce. They would freeze it. I grew one acre Early planted on good Friday, then planted a second acre for late crop. It yeilded about $ 70 K that year but its hard work. Okra requires Constant Everyday Management leave enough room between the rows to get your tiller through use Underground Soaker hose Irrigation. Another thing that really helped was I grew it under high Voltage Power Lines. I would run between 15- 25 bushels a day production rate per day. According how much I watered it. Be sure wear long sleeves to protect your arms from sun and a big hat. Be Reminded its allot of work everyday. 7 days a week And Constant Magagement to get those kinds of yeilds. Half way through the season Campels Soup Company wanted to set up a contract but I was already committed. The Market is there don't undersale yourselfs. O'Just a Reminder again its hard WORK and CONSTANT EVERYDAY MAGAGEMENT.

Invest in some of the Velcro straps or plastic ties to hold all your cords together to make one length of cords to hide rather than a lot of stray cords. Use a power strip available at most big box stores -- one with a half dozen outlets for plugging in multiple electrical cords so you only have the one electrical cord going to the electric outlet to hide. https://www.bhg.com/shop/ge-ge-power-strip-surge-protector-6-outlets-10ft-extra-long-power-cord-flat-plug-800-joules-safety-locks-multi-outlet-wall-mount-white-14092-pcfd338f8a0d939373d7901b4c5a9dd38.html For your entertainment -- I like the city skyline. http://industrystandarddesign.com/11-sneaky-tricks-to-hide-those-ugly-wires-at-home/