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.

Landscaping designs around your hot tub area don't have to be elaborate. They can be quite simple and still look very nice. Planters and pots filled with flowers and greenery create a nice look. Add a few shrubs and flowers that you like to add color to the surrounding. A large pot on each side of the hot tub steps with a small tree in each one will give your hot tub a welcoming and lovely look.

Landscaping ideas for privacy are some of my personal favorites. One attractive possibility is a screened gazebo, which not only protects your privacy, but turns the hot tub into an attractive center of your backyard. A gazebo roof also means that you can use the hot tub in peace during rainy or buggy weather. On the outside of the gazebo, consider attaching a few simple window planter boxes and growing colorful flowers and other plants there. If you lack the green thumb, silk flowers are easy to maintain and will always look fresh.

The options for ideas for landscaping around hot tubs just never end. For example, there is an Oriental theme. You could put together a pergola to get the right mix of sunlight and shade. Another good option is to set out some planter boxes and fill them with pretty plants or shrubs that are native to your area. These touches will make your hot tub feel like part of the landscape, even if you just put it in.

The ultimate landscaped hot tub would be an in ground hot tub next to an in ground swimming pool. A nice compliment to the beauty of the hot tub and pool would be with a little tropical jungle. Again just take some attractive flowerpots and place them in two clusters of 3 because odd numbers always look better. If you use three different sizes for each cluster this will create a terraced look. Using hibiscus flowers, a small palm bush that won't grow too large and some ivy that will naturally flow down the pots creating a tropical area.

Whatever ideas for landscaping around hot tubs you decide to go with remember to allow for the drain to be opened. The drain could flood your newly landscaped areas, ruining all your efforts and requiring refilling of the hot tub. When landscaping remember to be imaginative, make it a place that is really your own backyard haven.