The color photo looks good, but I think the Black and White version looks better. I know they are both the same picture, but the B&W version the needles stand out so much more and the shadows of the spikes really stand out, which kind of surprised me. The colors in the flower are very beautiful the reds, orange and yellow look fantastic, but once again my eye is drawn still to the B&W version with it various soft subtle shades.
Good luck on the contest, i will have to go and look at some of the other entries there. I found this particular post through you son's resteem.
I pretty much agree with you and I like the black and white version a little more as well. Thanks for your perspective, yes check out the contest. there's some good photos on there.