Herbs would be good, and you can use them for cooking, too. Tulips are bulbs that you plant in the fall, and they come up in the spring for a short time. You could do that in the fall in a large pot, and leave the pot on the balcony in the winter. You'll get tulips in the spring.

The pink shrubs are probably azaleas. Not great in pots.

I suggest that you go for some herbs and annuals--plants grow for one season and do not come back (the ones that come back are called perennials). Here are some suggestions:

Herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley (just because of the song, you know). Basil-needs frequent watering. You can bring the herbs (not basil--it's an annual) inside in a sunny spot for the winter.

Annual flowers: sweet potato vine, zinnias, petunias, coleus, begonias, some ornamental grasses. Look at books for ideas about composition in pots. Use large pots; small ones will dry out too fast. Use good potting soil.

Enjoy your garden!