Vicky Bartish

Vicky Bartish is Interim Executive Director at EcoLandscape California, a non-profit organization committed to educating landscape professionals and the public about the benefits of ecologically sound landscaping and gardening methods. A reformed emergency room nurse and certified arborist, Vicky dreams of a perfect world where there are only beautiful, water-wise landscapes maintained to preserve every precious drop of water with a perfect irrigation system.

Web Site: http://www.bewatersmart.info/blue-thumb


In Irrigation, Timing is Everything

Jun 17, 2011

Not more than a couple weeks ago I was here at the computer wearing wool socks. The heater was on and I was glad—freezing outside, and it was hailing in Auburn. On Memorial Day weekend there were chain controls on … Continue reading →

Mulch Mystery Demystified

Jun 11, 2011

While interviewing all eleven of the official Blue Thumb ambassadors in March, our questions were  aimed primarily at water conservation practices in their businesses and their own daily lives at home. The answers varied but one thing was perfectl...

An Outstanding Case for Rain Sensors and Smart Controllers

Jun 3, 2011

In our April 14 post we mentioned that (according to the governor of California), “the drought was officially over”, and right behind that came the prediction that we were heading for “the driest April on record”. It was not.  We’ve … ...

Feed Your Lawn the Natural Way With a Mulching Mower

May 5, 2011

There are some pesky  myths about mulching blades and mowing lawns that we believe might be hindering some of you Blue Thumbs from taking that itsy bitsy (we’re talking small and easy here) step of trading out your regular lawnmower blade for ...

Mow, Go and Flow…into the Storm Drains…Whoa!

Apr 24, 2011

On most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, property owners around Sacramento like to have their grass mowed and yard maintenance done so it looks nice for the weekend. Yep, everything looks neat and tidy, ready for company.  You can also walk aro...

CA Drought Declared Over (March, 2011) ; CA Heading Towards Driest April on Record (April, 2011)

Apr 19, 2011

You see, this is why we are here–our reason to be, if you will. We have seen this cycle for years with water, as well as other liquids coming out of nozzles like gasoline, for instance. Remember a couple years … Continue reading →

Save Water So Butterflies Will Flutter By

Apr 14, 2011

Did you know that we have the same exact amount of water on earth today that was here at the beginning of our planet? Not a drop more or less will ever be here–it just gets shifted around, reallocated. Your … Continue reading →

Saving Water Saves More Than Just Water

Apr 6, 2011

Officially, The Blue Thumb Blog concept was created by Sacramento’s Regional Water Authority to draw public awareness to water conservation in the landscape— a very noble idea, and one whose time has come — none too soon. But my blogging … ...



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