Hot tubs are often used for entertaining family and friends but they are also used to escape into a moment of calm and relaxation. Nothing is less relaxing than a nosy neighbor who can peer out their window and deprive you of your solitude.

When moving your hot tub or installing a privacy tent or manufactured wall seems a bit too extreme or unneighborly, consider natural solutions that can be created by plants.

Now, I’m not necessarily talking about commercial living walls or vertical gardens unless that is your thing but more simply potted plants that have height that can become part of your patio experience while at the same time offer partial privacy.

Many potted plants can be moved indoors during the winter and then back outdoors in the spring. Here are a few plant ideas: Kentia palm, ficus, schefflera, dracaena, fiddle leaf fig, bird of paradise or bamboo.

Before the garden centers begin to get busy next month with the spring garden enthusiasts, discuss with them which plants they will be stocking this spring and which potted plants provide the right heights for your privacy.