Cynthia Impey Nolen : April 18, 1933 – February 27, 2024

Cynthia I. Nolen, a lover of dogs, birds, books, and gardens passed away peacefully at Casa Dorinda in Montecito, California on February 27, 2024. A self- proclaimed “collector” of plants, her gardens and landscape designs continue to inspire around the U.S. Anyone who knew Cynthia was aware that she never left the house without dog treats in her pocket.

Born in New York, New York to Ambrose “Bud” and Victoria Impey, Cynthia was the middle child of three girls, Phyllis (Rippy) and Ann (Reed), both of whom predeceased her. Raised in Garden City, NY, she graduated as a National Honor Society member from Garden City High School. At Duke University, Cynthia was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Following her time at Duke, Cynthia spent many years in Indianapolis, IN where her talent for garden design blossomed at Eagle Creek Nursery.

Ultimately returning to the East coast, Cynthia later married Philip Chapin Nolen of Bedford, NY in 1981. In 1987, the couple retired to Montecito, CA. They were active members of both The Valley Club and Birnam Wood.

Volunteering and community service were a constant theme throughout her life. Starting with the Junior League of Indianapolis in the late 1950s, Cynthia joined the Santa Barbara Garden Club in 1987 and was recently honored for her lifetime of service. Mrs. Nolen also served on the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Board of Directors for six years and was one of the first docents at Casa del Herrero in Montecito.

Cynthia’s expertise with garden design became highly acclaimed and sought after; a hallmark project was the gardens at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home. Her designs and thought process were featured in Los Angeles Times Magazine, Garden Design magazine and in the book: Making Gardens by Patrick Taylor. Mrs. Nolen’s signature was to create “a tapestry of texture” to lend color and form. Pea gravel and rosemary were her go-to ground covers.

Mrs. Nolen is survived by her husband of 43 years Philip Chapin Nolen, her daughter Victoria Randle Fine of Indianapolis, IN, and son John F. Randle of Durango, CO; and five grandchildren. Stepdaughters Catherine “Casey” Jackson of Montezuma, NM; Lisa Birmingham of Stowe, VT; and Wendy Nolen of Chagrin Falls, OH survive her as well.

There will not be a public service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (sbbotanicgarden.org) or the National Rescue Search Dog Foundation (searchdogfoundation.org).