What does it need?

So I have a little garden project going on.  I am not one known for my green thumb but last year, I decided to try to have plants to decorate my outside a little.  They did great and are all thriving.  I have a hosta, 2 schefflera's, a Boston Fern and some baby flowers I am trying to get to take root.... It needs a little something extra but I can't figure out what?  Tips and suggestions please!!!

Here are some pictures... Oh the fairie statues are Alyssia (sitting down) and Holly(blowing a kiss) and Beavis and Butthead, the lions!  Someone told me it was bad luck not to name your statues!

Very pretty!

Could you have a planter of some kind hanging off the front of the rail?  You could have some geraniums or other bright coloured flowers in it.
 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-a3QSu7O6qE/SmumdlaHNVI/AAAAAAAAASU/y6ZtBXRedmE/s400/planter+boxs.jpg

http://www.gardenxtras.com/items/3161Std. - Char.jpg

Thanks!  Those are cute!!  I need plants that do well in partial to mostly shade.  It's hard for me to find pretty flowers that do... It seems to be the big issue I have.