A couple of people understood, at least - though far more equally obviously didn't. How to be able to prevent that whilst still being able to submit work of this kind of quality seems a reasonable question.
First and most obviously I think your composition needs work. The suggested idea of filling the frame with flowers has a lot of merit, but also the composition is jumbled a slightly disorganised anyhow. I think you need to find a real focal point for things - that element of your image that you really want ot be the thing to hold the eye, and place that as strongly in frame as you can - the thirds 'rule' is an obvious route to take. Other approaches are to find elements that form lines, or strong shapes, and work your image around that. Also you might use your title more effectively - some mention of 'fade' or 'faded' perhaps might make it clear that this is intentional, without hitting the voters over the head with it.
However, perhaps a touch more care with your processing should be the most effective route. The entire look of this makes me think you've simply moved the black point and desaturated a touch. And of cours, it isn't a duotone, which hasn't helped your score. I get the impression that this isn't a completely serious entry - or at least not the main point.
Nice setup but the tones are just a bit too flat here. This shot has an almost transparent feel to it, my eye wants to be drawn into a rich and inviting setup of these roses but is just left wanting more.
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