Flowering kale gives November color

The final annuals have been pulled and perennials that still stand in the garden are drained of color as November is here.

There does remain one spot of color as I look out my kitchen window. The flowering kale or ornamental cabbage is still in a fairly good form even after the recent ice storm. The medium green outer leaves surround the rich purple center that has evolved as the plant continues to share color.

Flowering kale blooms are actually just the colored leaves or are known as rosettes. There is no flower. I’ve admired them for years and grow them often.

There are numerous varieties and a number of color combinations. Some of the plants have frillier leaves. Colors vary from dark to light green surrounding deep purple, white or light purple rosettes. They all resemble cabbage and kale as that is their plant family.

They attract the same pests as cabbage plants do and need care during their growing season that keep cabbage worms away.

Although I complain about the constant watch for pests of the flowering kale, I do really enjoy the variety of texture and color they add to the flower garden.

Flowering kale is gorgeous mixed with mums and fall blooming grasses and pansies in pots. They can also be cut and used as a centerpiece if placed in water. The only word of caution is they may leave the aroma of fresh cut cabbage.

If you are lucky and the flowering kale hang on until snow falls, they are gorgeous capped in frost or snow.

As fall evolves in the garden and I look over the beds and dream about the color show our new planting of tulips should bring, I feel I may be rushing the seasons.

When each season arrives there can be feelings of what work lies ahead in the garden and more pleasantly the anticipation of what will appear. Even in winter when snow falls there are animal tracks to discover or a bright red cardinal taking a sip at the bird bath.

As seasons change I hope you take time to look out your windows and enjoy nature, even if it is only the feather of a bird who flitted past your window.