The Inn's New Head Gardener- a Green Thumb and a Passion for Pollinators
There’s a fresh face behind the flower beds and coastal landscape at the Inn— we’re thrilled to welcome Erin Creagan as our new Head Gardener!
“With more than 20 years of horticultural experience rooted in Maine soil, Erin brings a love of native plants, a deep commitment to sustainability, and a creative eye for seasonal beauty,” stated Nick Shumate the Inn’s General Manager.
Erin’s journey in gardening began at Skillin’s Greenhouse in Brunswick where he spent his early career surrounded by every type of plant imaginable. “It gave me a great horticultural foundation that has grown into a rich and varied career over two decades,” he said.
Before arriving at the Inn, Erin worked for the City of Portland’s Horticulture Department, where he had his hands in everything from installing and pruning city plantings in parks to designing and maintaining the colorful planters that beautify downtown Portland year-round. His work brightened city- scapes and deepened his passion for public green spaces.
Working for Tamarro Landscaping in Cape Elizabeth planted the seeds for a deeper connection to the area. After designing and caring for private gardens along the Cape’s stunning coastline, Erin is delighted to now call this area his gardening home again—this time at the helm of the Inn’s seaside gardens.
Erin is stepping into some well-loved gardening shoes, following in the footsteps of longtime, now retired, head gardener Derrick Daly, who built a thriving habitat for pollinators. Erin plans to honor that legacy and expand on plant varieties—as well as welcoming self-sowing milkweed and solidago into the gardens to feed bees, birds and butterflies. He is also a fan of the red listed New England cottontail rabbits living in and around the Inn gardens, and shrugs off the inevitable loss of a bloom or two to the endangered bunnies with good humor. “We are lucky to be adjacent to a beautiful state park and wildlife habitat and I fully respect and enjoy that neighboring coastal landscape.”
As autumn settles in, Erin has already worked his magic. The Sea Glass Deck and fountain are alive with fall color, adorned in a cascade of pumpkins, mums, ornamental cabbages, and local vines—a true celebration of the season.
Looking ahead, Erin is already dreaming in tulips: 1,500 spring bulbs have been ordered in shades of creamy white, soft “Yosemite” yellow, and mixed varieties for a dazzling welcome to spring next April and May. And summer? Expect more sunflowers varieties, coneflowers, and vibrant pink and yellow lantana—all pollinator-friendly and perfect for the Inn’s coastal gardens.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Erin’s expertise, energy, and seasonal artistry throughout the Inn grounds,” says Nick Shumate.
Erin plans to continue the weekly garden tours offered during the growing season at the Inn from June through September. Be sure to say hello if you see him tending the blooms—you might just pick up a gardening tip or two!
About Inn by the Sea: An idyllic oceanfront escape, located on a mile of unspoiled sand beach, just 7 miles from Portland, Inn by the Sea is Maine's premier beach destination offering elegant hospitality in 62 upscale rooms and suites, with full- service SPA, cardio room, heated pool and captivating cuisine served in ocean view Sea Glass restaurant. Children and dogs are warmly welcomed to this Preferred LVX® member and Virtuoso® property. Maine DEP Environmental Leader, LEED® Silver certification and member of BEYOND GREEN.
FMI: Rauni Kew, Green Program Manager, Inn by the Sea. 207.799.3134. rkew@innbythesea.com