I think the top one is a viburnum tinus (evergreen grows to about 6-8 feet.flowers in winter/early spring)

and the bottom one is I think the mature growth of an ivy .

What we generally think of as ivy is the immature growth.

Given enough time ivies get thick trunks,can become become quite tree like and the foliage changes shape completely and they produce black spherical berries which last well into late winter/early spring so are a good source of food for birds

Immature growth

http://www.fotoartglamour.com/pictures/ivy-on-tree-focused.JPG

changes to mature growth

http://www.welshholidaycottages.com/countryside/img/february/172-mature-ivy-080207.jpg

I can't better that information, Anchorman. We call no.2 "black ivy" here, possibly to describe the colour of the berries, and we have what you would describe as a "tree" of it holding up the sagging stone wall opposite our front door. It can stand any amount of cutting back, but I think it's best done in winter months. I doubt you'll kill it, whenever you do it, though. We have a tinus, too, which is scenting the entire garden right now. Lovely. Wait until it finishes flowering before you cut it back, although, again, wintertime would be best.

Thank you both. Very helpful info. I would never have guessed that that was Ivy - I had no idea about mature and immature growth. Thank you very much. :-)