If you're finding the fairy garden trend a little twee, then how about getting down and dirty with some roly polies? The ubiquitous potato bug, Armadillidium vulgare, makes a great introductory specimen for exploring your backyard through bugs.

There are plenty of ways to help kids plant an edible garden, make a fairy house, build a fort, etc. And they are more than capable of figuring out things for themselves as well. But I remember how happy kits made me when I was a kid... 

Project by: Meghan Shadrick/Meghan's Inspired Interiors
Location: Arlington, MA

My client wanted to make the most of the space for her two young boys sharing a bedroom, all the while keeping it fun, fanciful, and functional. Since the boys were sharing the room, she also wanted a spot for each boy to call their own. To top off the wishlist, they also needed a spot to sit and do homework. The boys longed for a castle themed room, and their wish was my command! 

Sure, you've got your bucket and shovel, but if you have access to a good sandbox or (suppressing my jealousy) a beach - kick it up a notch with more sand toys. These are all small enough to be thrown in your stroller or beach bag  - just don't forget them when you leave.

Who would have thought that there are not one, but (at least) two custom made John Deere tractor bunk beds in the world? Billy saw the bunks that Jennifer of The Rucker Rendezvous made when we wrote about them last summer and was inspired to try his hand at it for his grandkids.

Red Scooter by Vilac

• $85
• MoMA Store

My neighborhood is overrun with kids on scooters and toddlers can't wait to get in on the action. This wide-base scooter is designed for kids 2+ - although I'd still put a helmet on them!

Name: Marlowe
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Room Size: 150 square feet

When I came across Marlowe's room, I fell in love with its bright colors and whimsical bohemian vibe. Like the rest of her mom Drea's home, the room is sunny and filled with fun patterns and thrifted finds. And with the addition of some fun party decorations, little Marlowe probably feels like she's waking up to a celebration each and every day.

Name: Eleanor, 1
Location: U.S.A.

Eleanor is our youngest of four children and she just turned one. We celebrated in our backyard as a family. I wanted to keep it super low key but still special. 

We are still waiting for Spring. If I thought I was antsy in March, now I'm about ready to claw Mother Nature's eyes out - not to mention the weather forecasters! Recently we pulled out my daughter's favorite cardboard playhouse to keep the boredom at bay, and it reminded me how many more houses are out there.

Did you have flower sheets on your bed at some point in your childhood? I definitely did. The motif is incredibly common and has clearly been around for, like, ever; William Morris was already making good use of it in the mid-nineteenth century for his wallpapers. So we know you can easily find some pretty flower sheets anywhere. But we were looking for a different take on this traditional theme, and we wanted to round up some unique and modern garden bedding for kids. So, see how we did after the jump.