Do any of these work? (3 images, kinda big)

[Scottes]

As shot, but some levels and sharpening.
ISO 100, F/9, 1/8, 17-40 L @ 40mm, Canon 10D, Circ Polarizer
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/CRW_5390.jpg

I felt that there was too much DoF, so I Gaussian Blurred with a radius of 3.6 pixels, then History Brushed the flower back to sharp.
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/CRW_5390-2.jpg

Still not enough punch I thought, so I History Brushed the larger foreground leaves back to sharp (though I missed a spot!):
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/CRW_5390-3.jpg

Does #2 or #3 look overprocessed?
Is #2 or #3 preferred over the original?
How's the picture overall - does it work, or does it suck?

Any other comments appreciated, don't hold back please.

[PhotosGuy]

I think I like #1 best. I have no idea why! What I don't like is that white stem(?) right in the middle of the pic. It keeps dragging my eye to it.
When I'm going through the good?/bad?/good?... process I find that just leaving it alone for a few days gives me a different perspective. (Usually still confused, but differently.)
:wink:

[cgratti]

I think I like #1 best. I have no idea why! What I don't like is that white stem(?) right in the middle of the pic. It keeps dragging my eye to it.
When I'm going through the good?/bad?/good?... process I find that just leaving it alone for a few days gives me a different perspective. (Usually still confused, but differently.)
:wink:

Yes, the stem does draw my attention also. Leave it for 3 days then stamp out the stem. Otherwise, nice shot!

[rick barclay]

#1's good. Everything's in focus.

[Andy_T]

I also prefer # 1.

There's enough contrast with the colour there, you don't need to blur the background.

Best regards,
Andy