SEE IT: On the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy there is a little-known garden: The Dorothy Bradley Atkins Medicinal Plant Garden. It contains more than than 100 species of medicinal plants, such as black cohosh, echinacea and foxglove, which are being investigated by the college’s researchers under the direction of Doel Soejarto, plant explorer and professor of pharmacognosy and biology at UIC. Check out the garden at its first garden walk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday [July 27] and Saturday [July 28]. From 1:30 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, hear Greg Stack of the University of Illinois Extension speak on “Making healing plants part of the ornamental garden.”
833 S. Wood St.(near the Medical Center stop on the Blue Line or Polk Street station on the Pink Line). Call 312-996-8889 or see www.uic.edu/pharmacy/garden.
— Beth Botts
SHOP IT: Those looking for a nice drive in the country and a good sale to boot might want to head to Kimball & Bean, a shop located in a renovated 19th Century and renowned nationwide for its high-caliber architectural and garden antiques. After seven years at this location, owners (and spouses) Nancy Bean Kimball and Beau Kimball are doing some barn cleaning. Everything in (and relocated to) the barn’s 4,500-square-foot hayloft is marked down 25 percent to 50 percent.
Among the goodies: Wooden and cast iron fireplaces, andirons, vintage patio furniture, doors, furniture, columns and all sorts of “quirky little things.” Some prices: Wooden fireplaces, starting at $150; vintage light fixtures, starting at $75; a turn-of-the-century drafting table measuring 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall, $300.
Through July 29. Store hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; Monday through Thursday by appointment. 3606 S. Country Club Rd., Woodstock, 815-444-9000, www.kimballandbean.com.
— Karen Klages
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