John Viccellio retired after 24 years in the U. S. Navy and dug into gardening when he could finally land in one place. He completed the Master Gardener course in 1992 and has since designed and constructed two of his own gardens. He wrote a monthly garden column for ten years and was a regular contributor to Carolina Gardener magazine. John published his first book, Guess What’s in My Garden!, in 2014. That was followed by Bacon Grease & Baseball in 2019. He lives in Matthews, NC with his wife, near four of his eight grandchildren.
A Walk in the Garden 
Thank you John for such a wonderful comment in your blog on my little wire vase! Your chose of flowers and well framed photo perhaps gave it ‘shine’ more than perhaps it deserved… but i don’t mind :-). It was a great pleasure to meet and spend time with both you and Tucker. I look forward to more times together as time goes by. Thank you again, Meredith
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Thanks again, Meredith, for the vase. I think you can see from the comments how much it has been admired. Looking forward to seeing you again.
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Lucky you to live in Charlotte NC rather than here in MN. I envy you all your blooming flowers and shorter winters! One day I will move somewhere further south. In the meantime, I will happily follow your gardening adventures via this blog!
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Thanks, Kate. I hope you will enjoy the blog. As far as moving south is concerned, as the guy on TV says, “Come on down!”
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What is that crazy bloom at the top of your blog? It looks like Mahonia leaves.
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Thanks for the question. It is indeed a mahonia, but not leaves. It is a flower bud…and I think it is beautiful.
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I love that pic. Never looked so closely at the blooms before.
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Great little flowers, and who said that the vase of flowers need to last more than a day….sometimes I arrange really open flowers, and have them for a day or two. They look just gorgeous at that stage and are all the better for having matured on the plant.
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Good morning, John: I just wanted to stop by your blog to say thank you for the talk you gave last night. It was my first time at a MG event and I learned so much & left with so many ideas. Thank you for the gift of your time & knowledge!
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Thank you, Beth. It was a pleasure talking to the MG group last night. Thank you for your kind remarks. Hope to see you again.
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Pingback: 100 Followers Reached – SunDragonLady ;)
Thank you John for your service. y father also served in the US Air Force. I also wanted to thank you for being my 100th follower. I made a post thanking you. http://sundragonlady.org/100-followers-reached/
Happy New year!
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I guess you’re getting ready for the Super Bowl, seeing the Carolina team is playing. I lived in your country for a decade (’96 – ’06) so got accustomed to your brand of football. I may watch the game (which is televised live here at 10:00am Monday). I visited your area a few times, and loved the Outer Banks. Anyway, a bit off topic, but wanted to say hi. All the best from Brisbane, Australia.
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Glad to hear from you, Kim. I have seen an occasional broadcast of your Australian Rules football on TV and don’t quite understand it, but I could see it is also a heart grabbing game for the fans. I am a Carolina team fan, so we are quite excited about our chances.
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Yes, Aussie Rules as we know it, is a huge game here. Just as are the 3 other versions of football. We are a sporting nation, that’s for sure. 🙂
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John I too love that photo of the Mahonia. It looks almost magical, as though some wee fairies are about to appear 🙂
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Thank you for your comment. That was a plant in my former garden in Chapel Hill. I transplanted it from my Grandmother’s woods. Lots of sweet memories.
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John it’s an honor to know you, THANK YOU FOR BEING IN THE NAVY, and for service for US and our country. My best friend from Security is a Retired Navy Captain. Bless YOU
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You are most kind. Thank you.
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Thanks for the like on my post. This blogger is completely wonder and I’m glad I found it! I look forward to following.
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Thanks for your kind comment.
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John, you are the Golfer? Nice to meet you. I checked our your wife’s blog also.
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Hope I won’t disappoint you, Pamela, to tell you that I am not a golfer. Tennis, yes, but no golf. Am confused; my wife doesn’t have a blog. What were you looking at?
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Opps. sorry I went to the link for Kathy. My mistake. That is what happens when I assume. My face is red.
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I’m very glad to meet you, John. I do believe I have run into a master gardener, all the pictures I looked at are great, you have the most outstanding garden I have been able witness. Thanks for all the great pictures.
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And a thank you for your kind comments.
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Just happened to spot you on another site and thought I’d stop on by. Pleased to meet you and thank you for your service.
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Thanks, GP for your visit and your service as well.
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I do not wish to mislead anyone, John. I did not serve, on demands from my father. Smitty was the paratrooper, although I do belong to the 11th Airborne Assn. I hope we’ll see you again soon.
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Hi John,
Thanks for liking my page, but more importantly thank you for your life message. I am in the process of reinventing myself after teaching for a number of years. You are just one messenger on my road that let’s me know all is possible. Thank you… for being a life long learner.
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Thank you, Elizabeth. Reinvention time in ones life can be fun, can be exhalirating, and can be scary…all at the same time. I wish you well.
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I know I am currently
scary to exhilarating. Many blessings to you as well.
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I never tire of plants. They are quiet listeners with an art all their own. I look forward to following your blog. Thank you for taking the time to stop by mine.
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Thanks, Ali. Glad to have you aboard.
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John, I featured you on my blog. I would be honoured if you checked it out!
https://memyselfandthecamera.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/10-amazing-photography-bloggers-you-have-to-see/
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Thank you, MM&C. It is so special that you recommended my blog. It warms the heart and I will be looking forward to seeing you again in the blogosphere.
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No worries!
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Hi John, thank you for visiting Chlohemian and liking my photo challenge response to “Graceful” :)!
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Glad to see you.
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Thank you for your visit and like on my site! My dad retired from the Army and has loved the last place he was stationed in (El Paso). I’m glad you found your passion and enjoy your home now.
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Thanks. And a thank you for your father’s service.
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I just found your site. I am looking forward to seeing more.
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Welcome aboard, Dana. Hope you will enjoy your visits.
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