Hi-
I recall this one-it was on my short list of about half a dozen top photos in that group, both because it was a nice photo, and I was attracted to the scene. I actually don't remember if it was one I voted for.
I am an amateur and I am trying to 'up my game' too, so here goes-
I agree interesting crop/composition
I agree depth of focus is both interesting and distracting.
I also like the colors.
I also agree about the juxtaposition thing
I don't know that I want to see much Photoshop here-when I think of a photo contest, I tend to think of a plain photo, some of the Photoshop stuff quickly ends up in the "Yes it is art (graphic arts)but not a photograph" category for me.
Focus good enough for this purpose, you can probably tell better than us. I did not vote for a few otherwise great photos in the contest because the focus was not great, and in a contest I do count that as important.
I agree the light is correct.
I think there is room for improvement in the need for some more light tones and dark tones, it is all sort of in the middle.
I think the striped rock competes with the crocus, so I get distracted without a single subject.
The green plant in the upper left is also a bit too much, maybe it is too bright or too big, but it also competes some.
I admire the photo, and your garden too!
Now I better find one of mine to put in here.
