I have absolutely loved the recent cool weather, and for the most part, so has my garden. According to weatherman Tom Skilling, Chicago 's 69.4-degree average July temperature at O'Hare International Airport was the coolest of the past 17 years and Midway Airport 's 71.0-degree average was the coolest in 42 years. It set a record in Rockford . As far as I can tell, this mild weather has retarded the growth of my tomatoes, peppers, basil and zucchini. It has also stunted my four o'clocks, moss roses, petunias and other annuals.

But how pleasant it has been! Balmy, breezy. And how green is the lawn. I am not complaining—nor will I. But I wonder how other gardeners' gardens are growing. Anyone having temperature-related issues? Tiny tomatoes, perhaps?

—Michelle Byrne Walsh