haven't got my books handy but:

the top one looks like a chinese fan palm??

the bottom could be something like the palm lilly plant or similar??

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

Thanks Len, but they're both of the same plant.

Not a palm. Try a Google image search on Carludovica.

I'm with Tony. Carludovica palmata (syn C. insignis). Common name Panama hat plant because this is what the leaves are used for in Sth. America where it is from.

Cheers,
Dee.

Tony and Dee, it appears to be spot-on! Many thanks. I told this lady the folks here were great, and would have an answer for her overnight - she'll be impressed, and very grateful!