Charlie Abbot came to Chemainus sometime in the 1970's and wandered into the forest surrounding the town where he lived until the time of his death in 1989 aged 87 years.
Under the the maples and firs of the forest Charlie made a garden covering many acres. Although old and  bent with years, he moved rocks and slabs of stone of all sizes, planted wild flowers, made pathways and steps, creating a little paradise of tranquility for all to share.
In 1988, a year before his death Charlie whom all knew as the Hermit was honoured by the Pacific Rim Artisans Village who guaranteed him official sanctuary and made him the first resident artist of the Artisan Village.