About

self-seed is a planting design studio based in Manchester. We work across private and public spaces to design climate-driven planted landscapes that thrive and inspire.

self-seed is run by Alex Huxley, a planting designer trained at the renowned London College of Garden Design. After more than a decade working in marketing and publicity, Alex embarked on a career change, graduating in 2024 with a Distinction in Planting Design.

self-seed specialises in planting solutions that place plants and people first. Our planting designs allow for every plant to thrive and the people who use the planted space to do so too.

FAQs

  • As a planting design studio we are responsible for designing the living elements of landscapes. We often work alongside architects or designers focussing on the planted spaces within a wider scheme or project.

    We think about which trees and plants should go where and why, both in private and public spaces. We consider plant communities and plant combinations that will thrive where they belong, offering seasonality, longevity and, most importantly, joy.

  • Considered planting design is one of the most impactful decisions that can be made to a landscape. Not only can it improve an area visually and aesthetically, but planting that has been thoughtfully considered will be also be resilient, regenerative and designed to last.

    In urban spaces in particular, good planting design creates shade to cool our cities, or reduces surface water by intercepting and storing rainwater. It attracts pollinators, increases biodiversity, collects and stores carbon dioxide, all while looking great too.

  • Our name self-seed comes from the proliferation of plants that self-seed in nature. From these seeds, new plants emerge, and from one plant you can have five. For gardeners, they regenerate our landscapes and they also offer great value.

    That's not to say that every plant we use is a self-seeder, but we'll always try to fit one in. Some favourites: Anemanthele lessoniana, Verbena hastata, Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing', Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen'.

  • Based in Prestwich just outside of Manchester, most of our work is across Greater Manchester, the North West and North Wales. However, we will always consider projects from further afield.

  • Yes! If you have a project you'd like to us to look at, please get in touch.