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A long-haired orange cat sits in a raised vegetable bed as six yellow ducklings wander among leafy green seedlings. 14 / 34

The Vegetable Patch Became a Jungle, and an Orange Cat Was the King of It

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Rows of young lettuce, tender seedlings, and soft dark soil: for a band of ducklings, this vegetable bed is a jungle full of discoveries. Six yellow ducklings wander along the edge of the raised wooden planter, poking their bills between the leaves, while a big fluffy orange cat lies in the middle of the greens like a lion surveying his territory. His long ginger coat is full and glossy, his eyes half closed in a relaxed, knowing look. A weathered fence, clay pots, and a leafy tree frame the backyard behind them.

Ducks are actually a gardener's helper in some ways. Many people let adult ducks forage in garden beds because they eagerly gobble up slugs and snails, though they will also nibble tender greens and trample seedlings, so supervision is wise. Ducklings this small are better kept in a protected area for most of the day, as they're vulnerable to predators and cold. For cats, the garden presents a different set of concerns. Some plants, like lilies and certain bulbs, are dangerous to cats, and slug pellets and fertilizers can be toxic. If you garden with pets in mind, choose pet-safe products and check unfamiliar plants before planting.

Whether they're hunting for bugs or simply exploring, these ducklings couldn't ask for a mellower guide. The orange cat isn't here to work, though. He's just here for the sun.

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