You mgiht also try installing the free PLE version of VUE x-stream that integrates seamlessly with 3dsmax. Maybe that would be a good way to get great plants and atmosphere into your 3dsmax.
http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_9_xstream/
It is a workflow I'm currently contemplating myself...so if you try it, let me know how it goes!