Project 52 Week 18 A botanical mystery

[billtils]

Whatever I may be, I'm most certainly NOT a gardener, but I do have some flowers and plants, including a bay tree that has survived neglect and distictly non-Mediterranean weather for more than 10 years. It functions as a pleasant green shrub and (most importantly) a source of leaves for cooking. When doing the weekly grass cutting today I noticed that it had sprouted some bright yellow growths - not sure what they are or why they appeared now.

Here's a photo - can anyone can tell me what this is and why now? If not, just enjoy the picture .

[Geoff F]

I am wondering if a bit of Witch Hazel is growing through the Bay leaves? It flowers on bare stems during the winter period. There are a few other alternatives which also produce flowers on bare stems.