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 an...