Our Crew

Gnome and Gardens appreciates all those who are passionate about people and plants. Our team consists of landscape horticulturists who are current apprentices, seasoned gardeners, plant enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious team players. Each individual brings a unique set of industry and life skills to the group which contributes to a collaborative and creative crew.

Chris Lambden

Owner/Operator/Head Gnome

Chris started Gnome and Gardens in 2013 as a side project while working as the foreman and general manager for a close friend’s business. A few years later he struck out on his own, and has since been developing himself as a skilled gardener and business owner. When he’s not gardening, you can usually find him rock climbing, skiing, spending time with his partner or hanging out with his cat, Fatima.

Credentials:

Certified Red Seal Horticultural Technician (2024)
Organic Master Gardener – Gaia College (2013)
Ecological Landscape Design – Gaia College (2014)
Skilled Trades BC-Approved Supervisor and Sponsor for Horticultural Technician Apprentices

Melissa Nanakdewa

Crew Lead

Mel is passionate about nature and the outdoors, and has loved growing with Gnome and Gardens over the last 3 years. She is very excited to be working towards her Red Seal certification in Landscape Horticulture along with her co-workers. As an ever-curious student of life, she is always looking for ways to broaden her knowledge in the garden and the every day. When she’s not working, you can find her hiking and camping on the trails, or sewing up-cycled creations in her home studio.

Credentials:

Current Level 3 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC

Evan Wagstaff

Crew Lead

A 2011 graduate of the Pacific Horticulture College, Evan has gathered experience in several areas of the industry over the years, including garden maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, arboriculture, and green construction. Beyond advancing his education in the trade with his coworkers, Evan likes to spend his time reading, camping, travelling, and at concerts with his wife and friends..

Credentials:

Current Level 3 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with Skilled Trades BC

Melissa Forsayeth

Assistant Gardener

Melissa has been a dedicated lover of all things green and growing for as long as she can remember. After transforming her own yard into a cornucopia of veggies and berries and, subjected to endless encouragement from family and friends to pursue a career in horticulture, she jumped in with both feet and began her studies and career path simultaneously. An enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Gnome and Gardens team, she’s never too busy to greet your furry friends before returning home to spend some time with her own. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, and cooking (using those fresh ingredients from the backyard garden)!

Credentials:

Current Level 2 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTrades BC

Keely Roberts

Assistant Gardener

Keely Roberts is a recent addition to the Gnome and Gardens team. She is a proud graduate of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, and was inspired to pursue a career in horticulture due to her love of native plants and the outdoors. Keely spends most of her time crafting and adventuring with her dog

Credentials:

Current Level 2 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC

Fatima

Chief Morale Officer, Admin Assistant

Fatima is the beloved mascot of Gnome and Gardens. She insists upon greeting the crew each morning, and her purrs are an instant morale boost. She’s also a talented office assistant, tracking down stray pens and keeping paperwork ordered and neat.