Vray combo best with what?

[Zero One 010110]

Hi guys, i'm getting back to the scene because i haven't rendered anything serious in a while, i mostly do architectural visualizations, and i was wondering a few things:

What's the common, or best software for plants and trees?
I left rendering when IR and Photon maps were the only way to calculate lighting, so, any good tut's or suggestions to get up to date?
I usually design the space, but i don't get much into making furniture or props, any suggestions were to get some decent objects (it doesn't matter if the aren't free, anything will do)?
I have seen some great interior renders here and there, and, i was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction on how to light up a interior (and exterior why not ) scene, some tut's or explanations would be great.
UVW unwrapping, i pretend to use this modifier to custom make textures like asphalt, or details, any good tut's around?
Any other thing that you might believe i'm missing, please let me know

Thanks again, and it feels good to be back here!

Man! i haven't noted i have been registered since 2003!! Were did the last 4 years went??

[teabag]

condolences....

trees: try onyx...recently evermotion released few nice ones as well
rendering method: read online index u ll get the picture
furniture: again evermotion is best place to look even though i must admit some of their stuff is a bit "quickly cooked"
lighting: loads of tuts all over the place...why not browsing through the forum for start...
unwrap: would need decent tut myself

get to it as soon as u can ...u ll love it

good luck

Martin