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Hardy And Healthy Kale Keeps On Growing

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Had enough of kale yet? Maybe not!

Kale not only seems to be on every other restaurant menu and food blog, there's also plenty of kale in gardens and flowerpots, even at this time of year.

People plant cabbages and kale in the fall - both edible and ornamental - because these vegetables can handle cool weather without a second thought. They can be harvested into the cold months, and their hardy nature in the garden (and longevity after picking) is one reason why cabbage is so common in the cuisines of countries that endure tough winters across northern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Asia and America.

But there's something to be said for the ornamental varieties too. Although some do brown and wilt in bitter cold weather, I've been pleasantly surprised to find several varieties looking absolutely spring-like even in the snow. Deep green kale leaves with hot-pink centers – that's a summery, happy look that brightens up a flowerpot or window box, and a lovely reminder of Nature's endurance as the winds of winter keep whipping.

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