Man Motivated by Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ Develops Spacious Haven Showcasing Lavender Spiral Gardens

### Starry Night Retreat: An Innovative Blend of Art and Nature in Bosnia

Six years ago, while atop a hill in central Bosnia, **Halim Zukic** experienced a moment of inspiration. Observing the fields, he spotted spiral patterns formed by tractors in the grass that echoed the swirling, starry brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh’s renowned painting, *The Starry Night*. This surprising vision sparked the concept for what would evolve into the **Starry Night Retreat**, a vast haven where art and nature beautifully converge.

Zukic’s project began with his choice to utilize the land as an expansive canvas. Over the span of two decades, he has converted this plain hill into an artistic and ecological wonderland, employing plants, trees, and natural materials as his mediums. His dream will soon come to fruition when the Starry Night Retreat welcomes visitors in May 2025.

#### The Essence of the Retreat: A Living Masterpiece

The centerpiece of the Starry Night Retreat is its 10-hectare park, crafted to evoke the swirling designs reminiscent of Van Gogh’s *Starry Night*. This area of the retreat, comprising only a section of the total 70-hectare expanse, boasts an impressive **130,000 lavender bushes**, arranged in spiral patterns that mimic the famed brushstrokes of the beloved artwork. The lavender, represented in six different shades, serves as the ideal medium for this living masterpiece. Enhancing the lavender, Zukic has also included **aromatic and medicinal herbs** like sage, echinacea, chamomile, and wormwood, which harmonize into the design like an orchestra of colors and fragrances.

What makes this project even more exceptional is its organic evolution. Instead of adhering to a strict plan or design constraints, Zukic’s planting has been a collaborative and instinctive process, with the existing topography influencing how the land is utilized. “**Construction machinery became our brushes, while our colors were plants, primarily lavender, complemented by a diverse assortment of aromatic, medicinal, and culinary herbs,”** states the project description. The layout of the retreat pays tribute to nature by steering clear of linear designs and opting for flowing curves and spirals.

#### A Nature-Infused Cultural Center

With the Starry Night Retreat slated to open in 2025, Zukic envisions the space as more than merely a tranquil landscape; he imagines it evolving into an open-air **museum** and a bustling **cultural center**. Guests will be encouraged to stroll through the lavender-laden spirals, interact with art displays, and engage in educational initiatives that merge horticulture with the arts.

Even before its inauguration, Zukic’s monumental project serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the remarkable outcomes possible when passion and creativity intertwine. By embracing nature as a canvas, Zukic has crafted an experience for others to enjoy and learn from. The retreat stands as a vivid affirmation of the beauty found in intuition, artistry, and environmental guardianship.

#### An Oasis Within Nature

While the artistically curated gardens form a central attraction, they represent just one facet of the retreat’s future offerings. The complete **70-hectare property** will act as a refuge not only for art enthusiasts but for those who cherish the tranquility of the natural environment. Various accommodation options will enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene landscape. The carefully designed 13 lakes and the multitude of trees Zukic has planted significantly contribute to establishing this natural haven. Far more than merely decorative, these features merge utility with artistry, enhancing the ecological well-being of the region while elevating its aesthetic charm.

Strikingly, Zukic has incorporated local natural elements. The retreat utilizes the area’s streams, ensuring water flows seamlessly across the land, nourishing the plants and amplifying the sense of nature’s equilibrium. Even with the use of heavy machinery in the planting process, meticulous care was taken to minimize disturbance to the land.

#### Inspired by Van Gogh — and So Much More

While *Starry Night* has certainly been a pivotal source of inspiration for the retreat, Zukic’s vision transcends merely paying tribute to a single celebrated painting. By intertwining art, ecology, and cultural significance, the project taps into a more extensive connection between humanity and the natural environment. This bond, deeply embedded in the swirling patterns of the lavender fields and aromatic herbs, highlights human creativity at its peak—harmonizing seamlessly with nature instead of imposing upon it.

Moreover, Zukic is acutely aware of the soothing benefits that such a space can provide for its visitors. Lavender and many of the herbs cultivated at the retreat offer well-known medicinal properties. The simple act of wandering through these lavender-scented fields—infused with therapeutic plants—can offer a calming, restorative experience for those in pursuit of peace away from urban hustle.