I love those HUGE hastas! Blue Angel Hostas! they're blueish green in color, they're great for an area like that! Plant 4 or 5 but in an "every other" pattern so you have some visual dimension. Try a blue angel hosta and a hollywood hosta and repeat. If you didnt want to go the low maintenance route you could also plant some cedars, but they require trimming, and you run the risk of roots invading your foundation.

I would definitely extend your garden border across the front of your porch. Annabelle Hydrangeas grow well in your zone and have a long flowering period. They are woody in early spring but in no time are all green once again. The second photo has a planting of Japanese Kingsville Boxwood in front of the Hydrangeas, that remain evergreen and stay low and compact. These would help maintain a tidy look year round in contrast to the informal Hydrangea.

Yes, I think that you should extend the planting area.

Thanks so much everyone...and I love all the ideas for planting!