With deep shock and great sadness, the family and management of Leen Middelburg Chrysanten announce the sudden passing of Leo Middelburg on May 7, 2025.
"We are still trying to come to terms with this immense loss, which touches us deeply — both personally and at the very core of our family business. In Leo, we lose a passionate, visionary leader and colleague — a remarkable individual who helped our company grow with a strong focus on quality and genuine care for people."
"In the coming period, we will need space to say farewell to Leo in a dignified way and to grieve this tremendous loss. At the same time, our family business will move forward, united in our commitment to continue creating the best and most beautiful chrysanthemums in the world," the company said on behalf of the family and management: Christa, Sander, Barry, Perry, Marthijn, and Leroy.
A legacy of sustainability and innovation
Over the past decades, Leen Middelburg Chrysanten has grown into one of the Netherlands' most respected chrysanthemum nurseries. In the 1970s, founder Leen Middelburg was among the pioneers in chrysanthemum cultivation. In the early 2000s, the company also played a key role in establishing the Zentoo growers' collective, where Leo served as chairman. His leadership reflected his mission: to support both individual growers and the wider chrysanthemum industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, plant health, and market development.
The company now operates across multiple locations and continues to expand. Core values such as sustainability, quality, customer orientation, and human connection remain central. The new state-of-the-art greenhouse project in Made, currently under construction, stands as a flagship for the chrysanthemum nursery of the future. The next generation — Barry and Sander Middelburg — has already joined the company, ensuring continuity and shared vision.
Driven and deeply committed
"In 2007, Leo co-founded our cooperative alongside several fellow growers. For many years, he served as Zentoo's chairman, and he remained an active and deeply committed member until the very end. Leo was driven by a single goal: to cultivate the finest chrysanthemums all year round. His tireless dedication, sincere interest in others, and bold, often thought-provoking ideas left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered," said the Zentoo growers' collective. "Leo's influence extended far — not only within our organization, but also across the chrysanthemum sector and the entire floriculture industry. He leaves behind an indelible legacy. We are profoundly grateful for all he has done for Zentoo. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Christa, his family, and the entire team at LMC during this difficult time."