“Yes, things are changing,” Marin County herbalist Cheryl Fromholzer recently announced, “but we are holding on to our roots while allowing something new and beautiful to blossom.”

Last weekend, Fromholzer’s herbal shop, Gathering Thyme, hosted a big farewell party at its San Rafael location and invited followers and fans to visit him in Petaluma soon.

The unofficial opening is planned for September 5th. The popular company is moving into a beautiful Craftsman building at 426 S. Petaluma Blvd., just a few blocks from downtown Petaluma.

The store’s stated goal is to introduce people to herbs and the plant world. The new location is intended to facilitate this goal.

The space will include a common area where regular tarot readings, tea times and community meetings will take place.

“We finally have a home for the herb school, including classroom and workshop space and raised beds in the backyard where students will plant and tend medicinal herbs,” said a press release from Fromholzer last month. “Of course, our extensive herb line will remain, and we will continue to carry the retail items you need, from artisan goods to locally-curated herbal products to the highest quality nutritional supplements.”

The last day at the San Rafael store (1332 4th St) is August 24, and after September 5, Fromholzer is looking forward to getting to know her new neighbors in Petaluma.