Landscaping for Inground Spa Surrounds

Plants

• Plants can add year-round beauty to a spa surround. Select flowers that bloom at different times so the area is always changing, and use evergreen shrubs to bring year-round greenery. To fill the area with subtle fragrances, consider planting an herb container garden with lavender, mint or lemon balm. Use decorative containers or paint them yourself to tie the containers in with the walkway and other nearby features.

Hardscape

• The hardscape around a spa refers to the paved walkway or patio. Hard stones add contrast to water features and are naturally resistant to weather and moisture damage. Choose a non-slip material that will be comfortable beneath bare feet, and not easily tracked into the hot tub. Use large pieces of slate surrounded by pea gravel as stepping stones. For the patio, use split flagstones or stone tiles for a sturdy, low-maintenance surface.

Lighting

• Lighting is an important feature around spas. It prevents people from tripping while contributing to the atmosphere. The right outdoor lighting should be dull enough so you don't feel exposed, and just bright enough to illuminate your path and offer a gentle glow over the immediate surrounds. Use dim footpaths around the patio and walkway, and consider strings of rope lights around the spa's perimeter.

Privacy Screen

• If a side of the spa is exposed to neighbors, create a natural privacy screen with bamboo or a trellis with climbing vines. The greenery enhances your view and gives the area a cozy, enclosed feel. Morning glory, honeysuckle and jasmine are a few examples of climbing vines that develop thick, full foliage and wrap tightly around a sturdy trellis.