WACO, TX — Working with soil most of her life, the owner of Bonnie's Greenhouse describes dirt as something special.
"When you put your hands in the soil it changes the why that you feel, you connect with the earth in a different way than you normally would" explains Ashli Robken.
As she walks us through her greenhouses and gardens, Robken explains that people often stop by during their lunch break to be around the plants.
Possibly due to the recent research on soil microbes and their benefits.
Recent studies, conducted in part by Christopher Lowry Ph. D., explain certain microbes found in soil could yield higher rates of the 'happy hormone' serotonin.
Robken says she doesn't find this surprising.
"It is proven, I have read several different studies on how it connects you to something more than yourself." said Robken.
Having the potential to relieve certain mental health conditions, this could explain why many describe their gardens as 'their happy place.'
"A lot of depression and anxiety comes with self focus and it gives you an opportunity to not focus on yourself but focus on what you're doing, the earth around you, the creation around you and the creation in yourself" explained Robken.
