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The heavy rains of the last few winters helped nurture scattered wildflower seeds, creating a dazzling burst of flowers in the spring that attracts butterflies and bees to the vivid petals.

Then, coastal sage, buckwheat, wild grape, wildflowers, milkweed and other native plants will be planted on the roughly one-acre habitat.

There are pine forests, waterfalls, wildflowers and more than 50 species of endangered or threatened plants, along with the colorful flickers and chirps of more than 490 species of birds.

"Butterflies can recover quickly because they have short generation times. Small actions like planting wildflowers, reducing pesticide use, or even leaving part of a backyard unmowed can significantly improve their chances," Prof Grames said.

And many people have gotten creative with containers, growing tomatoes and lemon trees in pots or supported by trellises, strawberries in hanging baskets and even wildflowers in wide containers.