How special tools, a young ambassador and Germany’s oldest rose village come together.
There are moments when tools are more than tools. When Theresa Hildebrandt planted the first roses for the Internationale Gartenausstellung 2027 on December 3, 2025, it was such a moment. In her hands: a Sneeboer rose spade. For her: the earth, the plant, the future.
Theresa is 18 years old and a pupil at the Burg-Gymnasium in Friedberg and since August 2025 the Steinfurther Rose Queen 2025-2027. As ambassador of Germany’s oldest rose village, she represents not just a flower, but a tradition of more than 150 years. The rose village of Steinfurth, the traditional Rosenfest, the Kurstadt Bad Nauheim. She carries it all with pride, cordiality and a remarkable rose knowledge that has been instilled in her from the very beginning.
Theresa is the daughter of Manuela and Thilo Hildebrandt, the founders of RosenPark Dräger in Steinfurth. She grew up among roses; beds and flowers, scents and seasons. So it’s no wonder she understands roses. And that she knows what good tools mean.
Ten rose spades for a queen
For Theresa’s tenure, Sneeboer forged ten special rose spades – handmade in Bovenkarspel, from high-quality stainless steel, modelled on our tried-and-true Stein spades. Compact, precise and balanced in the hand. A Sneeboer rose spade made for work in the rose garden, the rosary and at public planting events that will hold up what Sneeboer promises: a lifetime.
Theresa uses the spade at all her performances, and it stands out. Many visitors ask about it, find it special and want to know what’s behind it. That doesn’t surprise us. Nice tools draw the eye. Good tools hold it.
Your rose spade is in use at all performances and is well liked. Our Rose Queen Theresa likes using it very much; mainly because of its top quality and pleasant use. At the same time, of course, it is also a real eye-catcher. This makes us happy and proves that the combination of function and beauty in the garden has its own value.
Manuela Dräger, RosenPark Dräger, Steinfurth
Tradition meets craftsmanship
In 2026, the 49th Steinfurther Rosenfest will take place from July 10 to 12, with rose parade, exhibition, music and meeting. One of Germany’s most meaningful rose festivals, attended by rose lovers from all over the world. Theresa takes center stage: as queen, as ambassador, as young woman carrying an old tradition with fresh conviction.
The International Gartenausstellung 2027 is also on the program. The roses Theresa planted with our spade in December will bloom there. What goes into the ground today shows itself in full splendor later. That’s true of roses. That’s true of good tools. That goes for traditions that you cherish.
Hand forged in Bovenkarspel, for every rose season
The Sneeboer rose spade is not just another tool. It is the result of more than a century of craftsmanship, passed down from generation to generation in our workshop in Bovenkarspel. Every detail – from the forged blade to the balanced handle – is designed to last for years in the garden. Whether you’re managing a rose garden, planting a rosary or getting started on a special occasion, Sneeboer’s rose spade is a tool you won’t soon forget.
We are proud to be part of this chapter in Steinfurth’s history. And look forward to all that is yet to come for Theresa, for Steinfurth, for rose.
The Sneeboer rose spade, hand-forged since 1913. For the queen of flowers. And for all who plant her.