I'm guessing you just got a lens with a wide aperture? I took pics like these when I got my 50mm f/1.8 because I was amazed at the low light and bokeh capabilities...
That being said:
#1, pictures generally look better when you are on the level of your subject. Bend down or get on 1 knee and try stuff like that with a more level horizon.
#2, I see what you were going for, but there is no interesting subject. Find a bug or something and try it again.
#3, When there are very distinct vertical or horizontal lines in your subject, try to find the perspective that gives you those same lines in a photo. don't shoot up or down, because this will warp your perspective.
Just my 2 cents.