I can't see that runner beans are 'cold weather' beans since you can't
plant them out till after last frost. But I found gardening in a dry
garden in Sussex that French beans coped with dryness a lot better,
--
Kay

We've moved even further South (Normandy) where the sun has been relentless
with very little rain. The runner beans seem to love it here. The freezer is
already full and we are eating them every day. We are already sick of the
sight of them!

David.