A BLOOMING OASIS IN TREBINJE: LJUBICA MILADINOVIĆ'S FLOWER CORNER DELIGHTS LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Amid the stone walls, greenery, and Mediterranean charm of Trebinje, one colorful corner at the city market stands out with its vibrant hues, fragrances, and joyful atmosphere. It is the floral haven of Ljubica Miladinović, who has spent nearly two decades bringing beauty, color, and happiness to the daily lives of Trebinje’s residents and visitors through her handmade bouquets.

PHOTO: Trebinje danas

"Many people respond positively to my flower corner at the market. They take bouquets, pose for photos, and then tell me that you won’t find this even in much bigger cities," Ljubica shared with Trebinje Danas, proudly admiring her floral arrangements.

Her stall, the colorful heart of the market, is authentic, warm, and sincere—just like Herzegovina itself. What began as a hobby and a wish to beautify her own yard has blossomed into something much more.

“My idea started as a hobby. I built a house, had a lot of land around it, and tried to decorate my yard just for myself. At first, I gave flowers as gifts. I’d say, ‘This is instead of coffee or juice,’ and everyone was delighted,” she told the portal.

It didn’t take long for her to realize that her flowers brought joy not only to her and her friends, but to many others as well. Roses were the first flowers she started growing seriously, and her patience paid off.

“My roses gave a good yield—not in the first year, but in the second and third year after planting. I was happy with the results. I expanded the rose plantation, and now I have a large number of seedlings.”

In addition to roses, Ljubica cultivates other varieties such as statice, gladiolus, lilies, seasonal flowers, and this year, she took on the challenge of growing lisianthus for the first time.

“This year I planted lisianthus out of curiosity. I didn’t know how demanding it was or how many additional costs I would face, but now that they’ve bloomed, I’m satisfied—the flowers are beautiful, the roses have lovely shades.”

Her bouquets have graced numerous weddings, christenings, graduations, and celebrations of new life. Despite the amount of work, she says the smiles of those whose days she brightens are the greatest reward. She also sells some of her flowers at home, but the market remains her favorite place to meet locals and tourists alike.

Ljubica Miladinović’s flower stall is more than a place to buy flowers—it is a corner where love for nature, the joy of creation, and the warmth of Herzegovinian hospitality can truly be felt.