LAVENDER HARVEST REVITALIZES LJUBINJSKO FIELD

Early July marks the lavender harvest season, bringing life to Ljubinjsko Field, home to 10 hectares of aromatic purple blooms.

Lavender pickers, mostly locals, perform the task manually using sickles, just as in the past. Jovanka Kisić from Vranje moved to the rocky terrain of Herzegovina for love and has found joy in her new life despite the hard work.

"My husband is from Ljubinje, I fell in love, moved here, got married, and stayed. This place is paradise on earth, and lavender is a balm for the soul," says Kisić.

This Mediterranean plant is not demanding, thriving in rocky soil and strong sunlight.

This year, it has produced an exceptional yield.

Lavender has a wide range of applications in culinary arts, medicine, and cosmetics. The lavender from Ljubinjsko Field is primarily used to produce essential oils.

Other medicinal plants such as immortelle, sage, and heather are also cultivated alongside the lavender.