*Sambucus nigra* emerging in the Springtime

Dear Reader,

A landscape should feel inevitable—like it was always meant to be there.

That’s my guiding principle.

I don’t design by formula. My work isn’t about imposing a rigid plan onto a site but understanding the land, responding to it, and shaping it with skill, intuition, and expertise.

That’s why I chose the name Lloyd Landwright—because my work is rooted in craftsmanship. A wright is a craftsperson, someone who builds with precision and knowledge. That’s how I approach landscape design: not just as a profession, but as a discipline, an art, and a lifelong pursuit of mastery.

A Return to Craft

In the fine arts world, craft was often dismissed—seen as something secondary to concept. But I’ve always believed the opposite.

To me, craft is everything. It’s about integrity—of materials, of space, of the way things come together. It’s about knowledge and intuition, about working with your hands, about knowing when to guide and when to step back.

That’s why I think of landscape design as a craft. It’s not just about making something look good—it’s about building something with intention, something that lasts, something that belongs.

I work with plants, stone, trees, structure, and light, considering how each element interacts, evolves, and shapes the experience of a space. I’m just as invested in the bones of the land as I am in the layers of planting that soften it.

A well-crafted landscape doesn’t call attention to itself. It just feels right.

The Art of the Outdoor Experience

Even the smallest outdoor space can feel expansive, immersive, and grounding when designed with care. My goal is to create landscapes that don’t just look good—but feel good. Spaces that draw people outside, shift with the seasons, and subtly yet profoundly enrich daily life.

That’s what I love about what I do. That, and the fact that I get to keep growing, learning, and refining with every project.

Introducing Letters from the Landwright

I don’t want to define exactly what this space will be—at least not yet. Letters from the Landwright will be an evolving journal, a place to share thoughts, discoveries, and inspirations as they come.

Some letters may feature a new plant I’m excited about, a book that shifted my thinking, or a discussion on landscape lighting. Other times, it could be something entirely unexpected—a beautiful object, a body oil I love, or a moment that simply felt worth sharing.

More than anything, I want this to be a place for curiosity and conversation—a way to explore the layers of landscape, craft, and the rhythms of the natural world, without rigidity.

I’m letting it take shape as it wants to.

More soon,
Ashley

Lloyd Landwright: A Craftsperson’s Approach to Landscape Design