Readers really responded to our shed contest. We received more than 350 photos. Selecting the winners from so many imaginative, creative designs was a challenge, and our contest judges truly appreciated the many shapes, sizes, functions and styles of the sheds submitted — ranging from pretty playhouses and snug potting sheds to rustic retreats and functional craft studios. Here are the winners and their stories, and thanks to all who entered.

Cowboy needed

Lynn Amann

Perfect

Angela Barbee, Oakboro, Union Power Cooperative

Our old playhouse

Cathy Jones, Greenville, S.C.

A classroom

Dwight A. Dickinson, Murphy, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC

The steeple shed

Sandy Hicks, Todd, Blue Ridge Electric

Playset reset

Elizabeth Repetti and Walter Pitt, Winston-Salem, Surry-Yadkin EMC

A Classic

Angela Robertson

My getaway

Angie Gregg, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge Electric

Outhouse revival

Gigi Guyton, Gray, Maine, Blue Ridge Electric

Wired

David Fussell, Statesville, EnergyUnited

Reclaimed

Greg and Angela Hayes, Angier, Central EMC

Octagon

Jan and Fred Sallah, Banner Elk

Survivor

Ralph Dearborn, Raleigh, Blue Ridge Electric

Back home

Susie Fishel, Lexington, EnergyUnited

Fresh air

Saundra Springer, Youngsville

Tiki bar

Lawton and Naomi Ellis, Elizabeth City, Albemarle EMC

Garden grandeur

Joan Gillis, Waynesville, Haywood EMC

Marion museum

Nana Hensley, Marion, Rutherford EMC

Our Irish shed

Gary and Louise Rascoe, Bahama, Piedmont EMC

The Shack

Mary Williams, Boone, Blue Ridge Electric

Man cave

Michele Williams, Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative

Memorial shed

Sam and Sara Adams, Rutherfordton, Rutherford EMC

My hobby shed

Robery Berkoski, Burlington, Piedmont EMC

Christmastime

Jim and Teresa Buelin, Granite Falls, Blue Ridge EMC