Between Plants and Encounters: The 'Kräuterfest' at noris inklusion

A festival as a place of encounter. The 'Kräuterfest' at noris inklusion is more than just the start of the gardening season – it primarily stands for exchange and connection. This is where people come into conversation, get to know the work on site, and experience how openness, respect, and shared activity can shape a place.

Written by Johanna Köhler

Visitors are standing around the “Tante 2 Go” food truck and sitting in front of it under umbrellas on the lawn.

Warm spring sunshine, children’s laughter, and a lively atmosphere across the grounds of the nature experience garden, combined with conversations, music, and the smell of barbecue. At the 'Kräuterfest' hosted by noris inklusion, the start of the gardening season was celebrated while at the same time opening a space where encounters arise naturally. Thousands of visitors took the opportunity to stroll across the grounds, discover plants, participate in hands on activities, or simply spend time there.

For noris inklusion, such open events are more than a typical event day. “This creates time and space for the wider community to get to know the work of noris inclusion – and the people behind it,” says Wiebke Goldhammer, communications officer. On this day, employees with disabilities become hosts. In their familiar environment, they can showcase their skills and engage with visitors in conversation. Many visitors are people who had not previously been aware of noris inklusion. “Most people learn about the festival through friends or family,” Goldhammer explains.

Workplace and space for encounter

The nature experience garden is deliberately both a workplace and a space for encounter.
“In everyday life, many people have limited contact with people with disabilities, because structural barriers still restrict participation in the general labor market,” Goldhammer explains. In the garden, it becomes clear that collaboration works – with professional standards and a clear service orientation.
This openness also defines the atmosphere of the 'Kräuterfest'. Despite the large number of visitors, interactions remain calm and friendly. “Appreciation and mutual respect are central for us,” says Goldhammer. Many visitors reflect exactly this impression: they perceive the calm, the friendliness, and the respectful interaction between everyone.

A band is playing on stage, and children are dancing in front of the stage. — Shared experiences create moments of encounter and strengthen exchange.

Small moments that remain

Laura Klassen, who works in the herb house at noris inklusion, describes what this feels like in practice. During the festival, her work differs from her usual tasks: instead of tending plants, she helps children with painting and applying temporary tattoos.
“It’s a nice change,” she says, enjoying both the weather and the many visitors.

Richie Norng, a kitchen assistant and chair of the works council, also experiences the festival as something special. The hands on stations are particularly popular: hammering, tin can throwing, bowling – and a wheelchair course.

“This helps people understand what it’s like when mobility is limited,” he explains. What matters most to him is friendly exchange – explaining, showing, and talking to visitors. “When you approach people openly, they also come back to us more often.”

More than just a festival day

A single event cannot solve structural challenges. But it can change perspectives. “Perhaps some visitors will rethink their views on the rights of people with disabilities and the importance of inclusion,” says Goldhammer. Often, the experience is shared with others – among friends, colleagues, and sometimes even companies that subsequently make contact or want to get involved. Interest in volunteering also emerges in this way.

Children are walking barefoot over stones in the garden, accompanied by adults. — The 'Kräuterfest' at noris inklusion shows how encounters foster inclusion and change perspectives.

Successful open formats like this depend on strong networks. Reliable partnerships with regional actors play a crucial role in enabling exchange and bringing together different competencies – organizational, practical, and social. As NürnbergMesse, we are also a cooperation partner of noris inklusion and supported the 'Kräuterfest' on site. Around 20 employees helped supervise activities, assisted with setup and dismantling, or were available across the grounds whenever support was needed. Laura Heinl, Manager Corporate Liaison & Sustainability at NürnbergMesse, describes her impression of this collaboration: “What I took away today was how relaxed organization can be when everyone contributes.” Precisely because not everything was tightly scheduled, it became clear how well the cooperation functioned. “In the end, everyone was in a good mood – that was great to see.”

In this way, local social value is created that extends beyond the event itself. Between plants, conversations, and small moments of exchange, the herb festival demonstrates how encounters can grow naturally.

Author

Johanna Köhler

Online Editing // PR Trainee