The terrace is located in the Srednjaci neighbourhood in Zagreb.
Valerija Marić has the most beautiful terrace in Croatia, according to readers of the Jutarnji List daily. Her 50-square-metre terrace is located on the fifth floor of a residential building in the Srednjaci neighbourhood in Zagreb. Valerija moved to the apartment five years ago, and she received the first plants six months later as a gift from friends, reports Jutarnji List on October 21, 2018.
“I devoted myself to interior design during the first year of living in this apartment. After that, I focused on the terrace. I planned for the long run and was aware that plants take time to grow in order for the terrace to look like this,” described Valerija.
Her terrace is located on the southeast side of the building, where there is often strong sunshine and strong winds. These are conditions which are not beneficial to many plants, which means they require a great deal of care.
“I started planting those varieties which need more time to grow, and later I started planting my favourite colours: white, purple and bright pink,” said the owner, adding that she is trying to make her terrace full of flourishing flowers from early spring until late fall.
All plants are planted in flowerpots, which is a problem given that the soil becomes dry in the summer and can easily freeze in the winter. The required gardening is done by Valerija herself, as well as by her assistants for whom she has even prepared a booklet with instructions. “Brothers, nephews, nieces, everyone takes part in the landscaping of my terrace, which cannot be left without watering for a single day, especially during the summer.”
One of the reasons for the award is undoubtedly a beautiful wooden structure on the terrace. The owner made it following an example of her neighbours and inspired by this, she later decided to add additional structures.
Valerija proudly points out that she also has an organic corner on her terrace, with raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, raisins, chilli peppers and ricotta. The terrace is, as she says, an oasis of peace and tranquillity, and was the main reason why she decided to opt for this particular apartment.
"My family and friends usually say that I actually bought a terrace with an additional apartment, and not vice versa,” concluded Valerija.
Translated from Jutarnji List (reported by Anja Mađarević).
