Beautiful image I love the colors and composition. As far as the focus a sharper one would make this outstanding. As for help with that I'm struggling with the focus on my own point and shoot. So let me know what advice you get.
A tricky subject and good idea to try in the shade. I tend to agree with Sheldon, use a setting that allows for a smaller appature, although you'll need to compensate for the slower shutter speed with either shooting in a brighter location (to increase shutter speed) or using a tripod.