Our 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 3 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTrades BC
Keely Roberts
Assistant Gardener
Keely Roberts is another solid 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 3 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
Jeronimo Elenes
Assistant Gardener
Jeronimo (Momo) is a sapling in the Gnome and Gardens team. A Geography graduate from the University of Victoria, he’s grown a passion for understanding the geomorphology and hydrology of landscapes and how each plays a role in the ecosystem. He began his journey into horticulture through hands-on experience on an organic farm, and found himself enjoying the relationship with plants and providing the care they need to flourish. In his free time, he passionately climbs and coaches at the local rock climbing gym.
Credentials:
Current Level 1 Landscape Horticulture Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
Tina Jacobsen
Assistant Gardener
Tina is a recent addition to the team at Gnome and Gardens. She’s thrilled to have finished the full-time program at the Horticulture College of the Pacific and started her new career as a horticulturist. Her interests include but are not limited to all things green, restoration projects, removal of invasive species, playing video games, and hiking with her husband and their tiny dog.
Credentials:
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.