Nice use of dof. a bit over exposed on the top part of the 8. Although I like this, it's not exactly what I believed was required from the challenge description. My apologies if you've heard this a million times before.
Details: Your photograph should include a naturally occurring (not manufactured in any way) number ...
while I do recognize the fact that the number was not intended to be a number, it is something manufactured, not something naturally occuring...
i wonder if a lot of people are going to say that this isn't natural. however, since the number its self isn't suposed to be there, I would say that the number is naturally occuring. theylook like they are suposed to be flowers, but do form a very nice 18. the background is very nicely blurred and a great color to help bring out the subject. focus and clarity are excelent. a great shot. good luck in the challenge.