A - we really don't use it much in the summer. A year ago I was against getting a summer flowering bush to use for this because of bees - the kids obviously don't like them flying around - but I don't see it as much of an issue. We've used the hot tub maybe 4-5 times this summer, and it's just not the same. It's enjoyable being in a 101 degree hot tub when everything that surrounds you is sitting in 20 degree air. But escaping from 85 degree weather and 90% humidity into the same hot tub? Um, not so great.

So, flowers are okay.

B - Berries are not. The hot tub has an "arm" for holding the lid cover, and occasionally birds like to sit on it and do their thing. Fortunately it's not too often, but I think a berry bush would increase that. It's not like I don't enjoy cleaning bird crap off the hot tub - okay, it is like that I don't enjoy it.

What would be perfect would be a bush that had a flower that looked like an owl so it would scare off all the birds, but apparently the Owlflower hasn't been genetically engineered yet. Science, get on this!

C - No thorns, spikes, whatever. Holly is out. Roses are out.

D - Prefer something that retains leaves throughout the winter, or have thick growth.

Any suggestions? I only want about a three foot tall by 5 foot wide area for the buffer (eventually, not necessarily buying it that size right away). We're either hardiness zone 6 or 7, I get varying results from different web sites. I'll probably end up going to a nursery with these same vague specifics unless I get a good suggestion elsewhere.