Why does the landscape designing one does to surround a hot tub differ so greatly from ordinary landscape planning? Perhaps it's because you have a raised hot tub. Sure, you can just put down a layer of mulch, but it will be painfully obvious just how little you spent and how little effort you put into your so-called landscaping.

Ideas for landscaping around hot tubs don't have to be complicated to look nice. The first option is to simply purchase some nice looking planters or pots and some of your favorite shrubs and flowers to surround the hot tub. I like to take two larger pots and place one on each side of the steps. Then I plant two narrow finely manicured trees that will never grow out of the pot or become too tall. This frames the entrance to your hot tub making it inviting and beautiful.

When creating your dream retreat, you first need to choose the best location for your hot tub. Ease of access, view and privacy will be important concerns. To more easily enjoy your spa in cold weather, place it near the house. A pathway with lighting will make night use easier and more enjoyable.

You probably want privacy in your hot tub landscape design. A stand of bamboo or hedges, a wall or fence, or even a gazebo can do the job nicely. If protection from rain or hot sun will be an issue, consider an enclosure with a roof. To avoid extra cleaning, do not place large plants or trees too near the spa. And consider how the seasons will affect your view and privacy when choosing plants.

The very best approach would be to integrate landscaping designs for appearance with what I personally feel are highly desirable landscaping ideas for privacy. One such an arrangement could involve putting up a screened-in gazebo, which will highlight your hot tub and also make it usable when it's rainy out or when the insects are swarming. Surround the hot tub by attaching some simple window planters filled with beautiful blossoms. And if gardening really isn't your thing, you can always use silk flowers which will require very little care.

There are just too many ideas for landscaping around hot tubs to list them all. I will now focus on an Asian backyard hot tub. Assembling a pergola will give you both shade and sun while creating an Asian inspired hot tub. It is also nice to place some permanent cedar planter boxes around the hot tub and plant some colorful flowers and trees that will grow well in your local climate. This will also create a permanent feel to the hot tub, almost as if it's build in.

The perfect hot tub would be one that is built into the ground next to an in-ground swimming pool. To enhance the beauty of the hot tub, it would be ideal to have tropical plants surrounding the area to create a little jungle. You don't even need to plant them in the ground. Just use nice flowerpots and place them around the area in two clusters of three to create a well-balanced look. By using different sizes of pots and plants in each cluster, you can create a terraced look. Popular plants for this type of setting are hibiscus, palm bushes, and ivy that can flow around the pots to create a lush landscaping.

There are so many ideas for landscaping around hot tubs that this only touches on the many possibilities. However whenever landscaping around a hot tub you must remember to still allow for the drain of the hot tub to be open. You wouldn't want to flood all your lovely landscaping while refilling the hot tub. Remember that you can be as creative as you want. Make it your own backyard oasis.

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