Our story
FIRST GENERATION
A family story rooted in a love of herbs
Our story began in 1974, when Milan received a copy of Dr Franjo Smerdu’s Zdravje iz rastlin (“Health from Plants”) from a neighbour. This little book sparked his curiosity and a lasting love of medicinal plants. When he met Vikica in the mountains a few years later, herbs became part of their life together. As a family, they gathered herbs from spring to autumn, with a cup of homemade herbal tea becoming an everyday tradition.
In 1995, their passion for herbs became their livelihood. At first, they gathered wild herbs in the hills of Kozjansko to sell, but soon realised they wanted to build their future around growing their own. They planted their first sage crop in 1998, and by 2000, both were working full-time on the farm.
Each year, they raised around 10,000 seedlings from their own seeds. Planting by hand, tending each crop with care and harvesting at the right time became the foundations of their work – values that continue to guide us today.
Following the tragic loss of Vikica in 2021, their knowledge, dedication and love of herbs remain woven into the story of the farm. Today, their daughter Jasna carries that story forward, bringing together family tradition and pharmaceutical expertise.
SECOND GENERATION
Family tradition, guided by pharmaceutical expertise
In 2024, their daughter Jasna took over the running of the farm. Growing up among herbs, she learned about plants, their cultivation and processing alongside her parents. The farm has always been her classroom and a source of inspiration. Today, with a master’s degree in pharmacy, she brings together the first generation’s experience, modern scientific knowledge and fresh ideas.
Her vision is to preserve the family’s heritage while developing it to meet the needs of today. By creating products that fit easily into everyday life, she hopes to introduce younger generations to the world of herbs. Throughout her work, she remains true to the values on which the farm was built: quality, knowledge and respect for nature.
“I believe nature offers us invaluable treasures. It is our responsibility to understand them and use them thoughtfully and respectfully,” says Jasna.