The first tree doesn't seem to be a mugo pine (which are two-needle pines). It seems to be more of a spruce. Unfortunately, that's pretty much as far as my ID skills go, so I can't really tell you what type specifically. The second appears to be a juniper.

Becki I would comment on one of the things suggested on that site linked: using sand in potting mix. It is mostly not recomended on this foum. Many ppl purchase play sand that is too fine a packs very well - great for building sand castles but not so much for succulents :) It may pack and inpede drainage. Coarse is better and that is why many of us use grit. Size of particles between 3-6mm is best - similar to sifted perlite or pumice. It is much easier to find in bulk (50lb bags) for around $10-12. Here is photo of mix I use: approx same amounts of grit and perlite and very small amount of turface (light brown particles): You don't have to use this kind of inorganic mix, many use 1:1 mix of C&S soil and perlite (or pumice): - photo by Crenda: Sand could be used, but it should be coarse. Usually best to handle by experienced growers...Harry, member of this forum, uses some sand, but he has been growing succulents for many, many years. IIRC, it is more often used for cacti - but do not know for sure. Here is one of my plants (grown from offset of original plant) and it is growing offsets now: Grit on top - topdressing - is bigger than grit in the mix. You don't have to use that either....

At first glance, the two flies differ in wing color, eye color, abdomen striping, thorax appearance. Not likely gender could account for all 4.

Looks like a Crassula ovata (Jade plant) that is a big leggy - reaching for the light will do this to succulents (and other plants).