Hi Janine, today I am wearing my Critique Club hat :)
My first impression is that of looking thru a smooth, man made waterfall into a garden. It's a pleasing point of view. I think this also works well as an abstract. For some reason, however, I am getting a strong sense that where this photo would really shine is as a large print in a loft type of residence....I don't know why, it sounds kinda weird but thats just what I see in my head. It would contrast nicely with a brick wall.
If I were to speculate why this didn't finish higher, it would be for 2 reasons. I think voters are looking for more of someone doing somthing, some type of human action that causes the blur. Secondly, the plants at the bottom seem strangely pixelated to me. I'm not sure what it is since you're working with a 16mp camera but there is something there, at least to my eye.
All in all, an image that is pleasing to the eye with a nice color palette.
J |