I almost forgot to recognize the kale that was a central part of my garden-to-table summer.  It was the best kale I have ever had, slightly sweet, and nearly always abundant.  I got it from a plant sale that Project EATS held earlier this summer.  I don’t remember the restaurant that was co-hosting it, but it’s a very cool one in Windsor Terrace, right at the curve into Greenwood Ave. on that side of the Expressway.  If anyone can think of the name of that store, please pass it on as it’s a great source for locally grown and prepared goodies and has decent coffee and a yummy menu.  On another note, while searching for it, I found a garden that was featured on Brownstoner here.  I love what this person is doing with their city space.  It’s more flowers and less vegetables than I would do, but really pretty.  It reminds me of a lot of the houses down the stretch of blocks from 3rd to 4th or 5th streets between Albamarle and Caton, here in Kensington.  There are some creative gardens on the other side, too, winding up to Church Ave. and covering the same streets.  The only thing I wonder about this kind of garden is — going back to that persistent question that keeps popping up — how much maintenance, and is it worth it?  I came across a quote in a magazine recently: “Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible and then get on with living. There’s more to life than decorating.”  Albert Hadley, as quoted in Elle Decor (1994), as quoted in Real Simple (2012).  The irony is that if you do make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible, you’ll never be able to “get on with living,” because there is always something else that can be done to make it more comfortable and more attractive.  When is it, then, that we say when?  And for us gardeners, does it make a difference if your primary purpose is aesthetics versus sustenance?  Are you willing to put in more time and effort if what you’re growing is ultimately going to feed you and/or others?  Is there anyone out there who is growing a truly edible garden, and is it satisfying or does it leave you hungry for more, vegetables or eye candy?  Go ahead … gimme the dirt!