Question
I live in NC, zone 7B.  My flowering kale and ornamental cabbages are still alive and well on my front step planter.  They have become tall and unsightly, though, much like other annuals do in late September.  It appears as though a bunch of seeds are atop the plants.  If I save the seeds could they be successfully planted?  Should I even cut these tops off at this point?  I've never had kale/cabbages last this long.  We had a very warm winter with NO snow this season, (YET)!  Would appreciate any feedback.

Answer
Cut the tops off will improve the visual appearence of the kale. You can save the seeds, but it is a very long process from seed to mature plants and probably more than most home owners are willing to do (requires cool growing conditions even during summer, so be preparred to pay for cooling the green house). Treat these as annuals in your area. At this point in time, your kale is on it's last breath.