Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Toward the end of June each year, as a plant-loving person, I look forward to the dramatic display of the sprawling colony of Bottle Brush Buckeye in full bloom next to Ware Episcopal Church on the crest of the hill next to Route 14. I wonder if anyone living knows how long ago it was planted. I estimate it to be at least 60-70 years old. For the thrill, I urge you to make a point of driving by to see it, as a Gloucester County botanical treasure and tourism asset.

For decades, I have envisioned another potential instant landmark for the region: transforming the conspicuous, white, inverted onion-shaped Gloucester water tower off Route 17 at the junction with T.C. Walker Road into a giant iconic bouquet of King Alfred golden-yellow daffodils, like the perfect Peach water tower next to I-95 as you drive through South Carolina. This surefire tourism draw will quickly become the most recognizable symbol of Gloucester County, honoring its annual revenue bona...