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  Full sunlight basements receive their light through windows, the bottom of which are level with the ground's surface. This arrangement poses a problem. How do you landscape around the window without blocking much-needed light? Landscape designers have worked around ground-level windows by planting beds, laying mulch, and establishing privacy screens. Some solutions are upscale while others are economical. Choose the best design for your needs.
  
  

Flowers

• Low-lying annual plants provide basement dwellers with bright colors without obstructing their light. Flowers such as marigolds, petunias, and impatiens can be planted near foundations to create low hedges and beds. These shallow-rooted plants should not be grown in water-rich soils. Avoid planting flowers directly under rain gutters and spouts; heavy water will destroy plants.
  
  Although both perennial and annuals can be planted in beds, snowfall as well as its removal can damage perennials. Also be aware of shady conditions bought on by overhanging eves. Impatiens and begonias do well in shaded areas.
  
  

Privacy Screens

• Planting dense shrubs near a home is a flawed attempt at creating a privacy screen. Hedges crowd architecture, obstruct light, and, when planted to close to a home, will trap moisture creating mold and mildew, and possible warping to your siding. Instead, think about planting flora which allow dappled light to enter basement windows. You may be surprised to learn that incorporating dwarf ornamental trees and shrubs up to three feet from windows will provide a satisfying privacy screen. The light branches will break up silhouttes rendering in-home activities invisible to prying to eyes.
  
  Aside from trees such as crepe myrtle, Japanese willow, and Japanese maple, other plants that provide green shading are bamboos and ornamental grasses. The key element of landscaping with these plants is to place them in clumps or clusters.
  
  

Mulch

• One way to cut down on dust and weeds, as well as water, is using mulch in your landscape. Eco-conscious gardeners can make use of many recycled mulches made from rubber tires and other reusable materials. Laying mulch near daylight basement windows is a simple process. Choose the best material for you, whether it is stones, plastic, beauty bark, or crushed shells. Prepare the area by removing weeds and digging down at least one inch. Spread the mulch in an even one-inch layer using a square-tipped shovel. The mulch will absorb moisture and prevent water from pooling.