Every month we pose 7 questions to a Chamber member, this time it’s Zoë Cousens, founder of Botanica.
1.Who are you and what do you do?
I’m the Founder of Botanica Guernsey, offering garden design, makeovers, regular upkeep, and holiday maintenance—plus outdoor entertaining areas and garden kitchens.
While most know me from my 40-year career in wealth management, fewer know I’ve spent years helping friends transform and maintain their gardens—sharing creative ideas to make the most of any outdoor space, whatever the size.
2. How long have you been doing this?
Gardening has always been in my blood—literally. My father owned two vineries where I earned pocket money picking fruit, flowers, and veg for export, and my mother’s uncle founded one of Guernsey’s largest garden centres. With a legacy like that, it’s fair to say green genes run in the family.
Now retired from a long career in finance, I’m busier (and happier) than ever—turning my lifelong hobby into a business. From planting window boxes to managing full garden transformations, I get to do what I love every day.
3. How did you get into this field?
I’ve had a wonderful career – filled with travel, incredible people, and lasting friendships around the world. But recently, I decided it was time to put down roots and spend more time with my son and his young family, who bring me endless joy.
It’s funny—gardening has always been part of my life, but I never saw it as a business opportunity. Most of my past ideas were (naturally) finance-related, which probably stopped me from noticing what was right in front of me all along!
4. What’s the ‘why’ behind your work?
I can lose myself for hours in a garden—planning, planting, digging… I often get so absorbed I forget to eat! I used to think I was a fair-weather gardener, but after helping my son in the pouring rain recently, I realised the sense of achievement far outweighed the soggy boots.
One of the parts I love most is sharing knowledge with clients. Most people want their plants to thrive—they just don’t always know how. I enjoy helping them feel more confident in their gardens, so the joy lasts long after the makeover is done.
5. How do you approach problem-solving?
Gardens are valuable investments and an extension of the home, so I’m always keen to find the right solution for a client. There’s always an answer if you know where to look for it or who to ask. I’m never shy to ask for help and share a problem with anyone who will listen, as someone will always come up with an answer. Of course problems in my new career are more likely to involve insurmountable issues such as a garden which gets no sun – although even then, there are plants that can tolerate shade so it’s just about knowing which ones.
6. What book (or podcast) has shaped your thinking?
I’ve just finished Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, a thought-provoking and entertaining take on how to make the most of our (on average) 4,000 weeks on earth. Now I’m reading Patriot, Alexei Navalny’s biography. His courage and determination to stand up to Putin—at such great personal cost—is incredibly moving.
7. Tea, coffee, or something stronger?
That really depends—on where I am, who I’m with, how I’m feeling… and definitely the weather! It could be anything from a refreshing G&T to a comforting hot chocolate.
