It's an interesting study to note what exactly it is that gets an image looking too punchy. It varies from image to image depending on content, but as a general rule I find that it's the extremes of the luminosity scale that cause the most problems, especially the highlights. Darks going too solid and heavy is less than perfect but it doesn't usually scream "overcooked", whereas highlights that are too bright scream "too harsh", which can be a real shot spoiler. Subduing highlights and lifting shadows while at the same time boosting overall contrast can be tricky but it's worth developing that skill because it produces results that the eye likes, and that still applies if you like a natural look.

Another road to being too punchy is using too much saturation, but all colours aren't equal when it comes to creating a garish look. Again it depends on content, but as a general rule the colours quickest to look overcooked are the warmer colours (red, orange, yellow and yellow-green). If a shot has a preponderance of yellow, that's usually the colour that needs subduing most. Yellow-green is another common culprit because it's usually the colour of grass and leaves, especially in bright sunshine. For targeting the problem colours you need the HSL tool (or whatever your editor's equivalent is). When the problem colours are reined in you can leave the rest of the shot with a higher level of saturation.

The main problem with your posted shot is that it was shot in harsh light, which always means giving yourself extra work.

This image is the best overall, with good balance. Most images need shadow and darkness for depth (unless deliberately not intended) but there is a fine line between the two. Overly dark areas can be very distracting and draw the eye to what is effectively a blob. Even shadows have details, though a camera lens (and consequently metered exposure) will see it differently to the naked eye. You have the right amount of details here with the end result a pleasing image. Contrast generally only darkens already dark areas and is usually of little benefit. Saturation too can have a similar effect. Both make the image more punchy and your subject does not need that.

Hi! If you were to lighten it more, what would you gain? The sky is a good color, as are the yellow and white flowers, and also the bark of the tree. The only things that are dark are where the greenery bunches up and lightening that part of the photo, in my opinion, wouldn't make it more attractive.

I agree that it needs a bit of pop. Maybe saturating the darker lines along the cactus on the left and the yellow flowers, the horizontal lines on the bark of the tree on the right and the lighter portions of the dead spikes.

That's what I would try to see if I liked it more.