Christopher Dardarian

Hello! I’m Christopher Dardarian, a landscape designer and horticulture professional based in Etobicoke, in the South-West of Toronto. I’m the founder and proprietor of Stema Gardens, a luxury outdoor living landscaping company.

At Stema, we design and build high-end residential outdoor living projects anchored by thoughtful design, clear planning, and exceptional execution. Our best work brings together pools, gardens, patios, and architectural outdoor features into one cohesive space that’s beautiful, functional, and easy to enjoy.

My background and education combine both academic and creative pursuits including design, business, and hands-on field experience. I studied Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University before earning a Horticulture degree from Niagara College. I’m also fluent in French and Spanish.

Before starting Stema Gardens, I spent several years working on the financial side of the construction industry as a surety bond broker helping contractors and developers manage public and private construction projects. In the past I was also fortunate to own and operate a busy Toronto restaurant called The Bellevue where we ran one of the busiest brunches in The City, inviting guest chefs into the kitchen. These experiences have taught me how to lead teams, manage complex projects, communicate clearly and stay calm under pressure.

Travelling has also been a major theme in my life. I’ve traveled extensively throughout Latin America, living and working in Costa Rica and Guatemala, studying Spanish permaculture and agriculture on coffee farms. I like to describe my time in Central America as “formative,” as it deepened my passion for landscape design, ecology, culture and languages.

I like to keep busy, and these days, I spend most of my time creating outdoor spaces that feel natural and welcoming, while growing my business.

If you’re looking for an experienced professional to design and install custom, high-quality outdoor living spaces, I encourage you to browse the Stema Gardens website and look at our portfolio of completed projects. If you like what you see, feel free to get in touch via email at [email protected], by phone at (416) 797-6127, through the website’s online contact form, or by stopping in to check the operation out in person at 306 Park Lawn Road.