The Backyard

I’m starting to think this place may have permanently closed? This is one of my favorite nurseries, but today was the second time I’ve showed up in a row where they were clearly closed during what should be opening hours. I called them and waited for them to open for 15 minutes to no avail. I even left them a voicemail last month wondering what happened and got no call back.

We recently redesigned our yard for drought resistance. Ryan was terrific to work with. He is not only extremely knowledgable about plant varieties but also about the water districtct’s requirements and limitations. He designed and installed our irrigation system. We worked closely together in the design and plant choice. If you want to see the results, walk or drive by 368 Costa Mesa Street. We frequently are asked who we used, and compliments are an every-​day thing. The project was so successful that the water district called to ask if they could honor us at their next board meeting.

Was there about 4 days before Christmas and the place was deserted (except for the awesome chocolate lab). it was hard to find the entrance, which is hidden to the left side of the warehouse. We poked around, looked at their scant selection of overpriced trees and left since there wasn’t anyone to help us anyway. Would have given it 2 stars but I really liked the dog!

this was my favorite secret place for awhile but apparently it was hostility taken over from the nice French lady who used to run it… who is Ryan??? never going here again.

This place is AMAZING!!! The nursery really looks like something out of a magazine. Ryan is an amazing owner and truly takes pride in his work, a master in the art of horticulture! Plants are always healthy and Ryan will make sure to educate you on what your buying and the proper care for them. This place is definitely worth a trip to check out. Thanks again Backyard Nursery!!!

Great nursery! Beautiful plants for indoor and outdoor locations. We stopped here on our way back home and we will return the next time we’re in the area! The area is very clean and organized.

Ryan was really knowledgable and eager to help setup a solid herb garden for me. He Gave me a few options and recommendations that made getting everything I needed really easy. Prices were great, Will be coming back here if I need anything else.

What a fantastic find!!! Was looking for a Christmas tree and most lots in Costa Mesa were Gone, Found this GEM of a place! BEAUTIFUL Christmas tree at a fantastic price the week before Christmas! Not only that, this place was soooo nice. Had a wonderful choc lab to give lots of doggie love:) Offed to trim up the tree as I needed, loaded up the truck, seamless and Wonderful experience!!! Thank you! Merry Christmas :) Freshest tree!

This place is awesome. Going to bigger, corporate nurseries can sometimes get you better prices… on plants that last a few weeks. I’ve done probably 90% of my yard with stuff from The Backyard, and it’s awesome that the owner, Ryan, is always willing to help load up the car and even give good advice on facing/​arrangements of the plants. Cool spot, especially if you want to get something unique that has been well taken care of and will last a long time.

We just had our wedding there on 5÷18÷14 and it was amazing! Ryan was extremely kind and helpful, rearranging the plants to fit our design, and Barry facilitated our wedding planning questions. The place was beautiful and exactly what we were looking for, a beautiful outdoor venue that would provide an open air feel and feel cozy and intimate at the same time. There is a salon on site, Sweeter Than Honey. Cindy did my hair and makeup and she made me feel beautiful, she also did my mom’s and sister’s and they looked beautiful too. Ginger is also on site with Glow Skincare, where you can get a massage or facial, and you can lease her space to use as a bridal suite (which is what I did and my pictures came out beautiful). Cannot say enough good things about this place and Ryan and Barry, Cindy and Ginger, thanks so much for making our wedding so memorable!

We had our wedding here in February, and were thrilled that we found The Backyard — it was the perfect venue. We were drawn to The Backyard because of the reasonable price, casual/​natural unique setting, and customizable and relaxed management style of the owners. Our expectations with The Backyard were exceeded.
We had approximately 125 guests, and held both our ceremony and reception at The Backyard on a Saturday afternoon. Our ceremony began at noon and the reception followed. The space was perfect for this number of guests, intimate but not cramped.
The Backyard is an enchanting venue, combining a casual/​relaxed garden feel with charming elegance. Think «midsummer night’s dream.» The venue has intrigue and interest, and the layout is customizable. Barry and Ryan were a pleasure to work with during preparation and planning, and were considerate of our personal preferences and vendor selection. Barry was involved and present the day of the event, and helped direct set up and process.
I echo other reviews in that the venue provides its own decoration — while we did purchase and add outside flowers, they embellished the greenery and flowers already present. Our photos are breathtaking — the plants at the venue provide an excellent backdrop.
All in all, both we and our guests loved the choice of venue — it fosters an intimate, relaxed gathering in a stunning natural setting.
We couldn’t be happier with our selection of The Backyard as a wedding venue, and highly recommend it.

Got our xmas tree and wreath from the Backyard this year, which has now set precedence for years to come. The tree was beautiful, actually — three weeks have passed and one since watering and it is still beautiful. We went with a more sparse Balsam Pine (sp?) which they get from Utah. I love the look of it, very rustic. It is not overly aromatic, but it does not shed and is not sappy or sharp. The wreath had the strong aroma enough that the tree didn’t need any.
The backyard has so many awesome plants and walking into it you are instantly taken off the main drag into a relaxing, comfortable environment. The owner, Ryan, is very friendly and you can tell he is passionate about his craft. I can’t wait to come back for some spring planting. Looks like they also do events here, which I will keep in mind for the future. (Dream backyard dinner party for special occasion!)

Just had our wedding at the Backyard. A small affair with 35 guests. It was positively wonderful. It’s the loveliest space. Ryan was so accommodating and helpful. Because it was a DIY event, we really couldn’t waste time with fussy vendors. Our site plan was handled and extra lighting added, no muss no fuss.
He has the most gorgeous plants. My friend who gardens and landscapes raved about his selection. People kept saying they wanted to come back. We’ve seen some of the preview photos from our photographer and the scenery makes everyone and everything look magical.
Many thanks to Ryan, Barry, and the rest of the crew for helping make our little event a big success.

Couldn’t have been a better location for my daughter’s wedding. It was absolutely beautiful, all of our guests commented on what a unique place to have a wedding, we had 150 guests with no problem. If you’re looking for a very unique venue, look no further. Reasonably priced venue fee, flowers and lush greenery are already there — no need to buy expensive wedding flowers. Ryan and Barry were wonderful to work with and made the day extra special.
I highly, highly recommend this location if you’re looking for something other than the cookie cutter wedding venue. Pictures to follow soon… Thanks Ryan! You were great.

Soooooo pretty, like it’s right out of Pinterest. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about!
Swinged by here to check it out as a potential wedding venue. Unfortunately, it’s a little too small for the guest count we’re thinking. At most, it can fit 60 – 75 people, but no more. However, if you’re planning on having a small affair, or maybe even a rehearsal dinner, you should not hesitate to come scope it out yourself.
My fave part – a swing just hanging nilly willy, oh, let’s say, twenty feet up in the air. I don’t really see the point of it, but it’s just so darn whimsical. And, as I said, this whole place is like one fat pin that’s about to go viral (Pinterest reference, yo) – there are all kinds of cute succulents, pretty gravel, exotic seedlings in their potters. Totally hip, totally now. If only it was twice as big, it would be a total contender for my hippie extravaganza of a wedding. But for now, I’m moving on to another venue.

This is a really cool little nursery hidden in a residential area off Tustin Ave and 17^th Street in Costa Mesa. Its setup is very clean and open. Succulents and espaliers abound.
7 blue chairs vintage is on same property.
Nice little oasis.

We hosted our son and daughter-in-law’s rehearsal dinner here on a beautiful July evening. The bride and groom wanted a casual outdoor venue close to home and with the large number of people invited to attend, we wanted something affordable, yet unique. It was the perfect setting for a garden party and met all of our expectations.
Ryan and his dad, Barry, were so easy to work with and Ryan was wonderfully helpful on our multiple trips to The Backyard as we asked questions and took measurements for our layout. I feared we might have been becoming pests but Ryan was very gracious and took his time with us.
The guests were all impressed with the location. Many times during the evening I heard comments such as «What a great place – I didn’t even know this was here.» It truly is a hidden gem and I can’t wait to recommend it to other people.

I literally stumbled upon this beautiful place whilst trying to find a venue for my daughter’s graduation party. I had some limiting parameters; mainly budget. But, I also wanted a place that would be reminiscent of the beautiful, but casual feel of my island home of Hawai’i, and I wanted my daughter to be happy. When I brought her to see it, like me, she instantly fell in love.
Working with Ryan (the owner) and his dad, who did all the papework with me, was easy and pain and drama-​free. Ryan is engaging, accommodating, and an easy-​going, gentle spirit. His easy «vibe» eminates in the beauty of his beautiful garden. I somehow feel that made everything about having our event here even more special.
The surroundings are serene and peaceful, the plants gorgeous and lush. Who would have ever thought that we’d find everything we were looking for in an event venue at a plant nursery and garden center?
Many of our friends and family who attended our celebration were absolutely enthralled with The Backyard, and I’m sure that Ryan will be hearing from some of them for their own events. Not to mention, we’ll also be shopping there for our plant and garden needs.
Thank you, Ryan (and Barry) Diamond. You’ve made some new friends and fans here!
Malamo Pono, Pua

This nursery is awesome! Love to have found a nursery with so much personality! Thank you also to Ryan for making sure I go the right plants for the yard! Definitely the small business to support!

Went to look at the place as a possible wedding reception venue. Did not buy any plants. It is located in a business area but it is very nice with lots of plants and white gravel on the ground. The staff is nice and the price to rent is very decent. You need to rent your own tables and chairs and get outside catering. It has a lot if potential to be a very nice reception space.