Texas Gardening: Can anyone ID this little snake?, 3 by brigidlily

brigidlily wrote:
I mowed the back yard and when I went back to the porch (which is just concrete slab, same level as the yard) I saw this little guy. I shooed him off because either the chicken or the cat would be too interested, but I am hoping it is not one I should have... ahem... dispatched to that great garden in the sky. Garter snake? The little table it is under is only 8", so stretched out he would be maybe 12 - 14", i would guess. Pretty little thing.

Thanks!