I just browsed through your 3D max work. Your modeling looks good, and the materials seem to be ok, but the next step in bringing life to your renderings is by working on your lighting setup.

Shadows are a bit too sharp and there is too much contrast between shade and light in my opinion. If you are going to stick with V-Ray, consider browing the CGArchitect forums here: http://forums.cgarchitect.com/99-vray-render/ I also strongly recommend the videos and books you can purchase from CG School: http://www.thecgschool.com/ (they aren't cheap but are a great resource).

Also, try and avoid the built in plant materials that you used in your pathway rendering, take a look into either Bionatics, Speedtree, or OnyxTreee (my personal favorite). They all have student versions available at reduced cost.

Good luck and keep modeling!

Dave B.