There is a Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis) growing near the house. I give it a haircut every year to keep it in proportion to the surroundings. L. nobilis is an evergreen Mediterranean species but hardy in English climes. It has the useful characteristic of being very amenable to hard pruning so can serve as a small but shapely container plant or as a large shrub/small tree for some serious topiary. Left to its own devices it becomes a tall tree and voluminous in a shaggy sort of fashion.
 In this kind of garden it's not necessary to get too ornamental with the shears but I find giving it a sphere-like shape in spring keeps it in check. I make sure to do this early because most years there will be a Blackbird nest when the breeding season commences.