This will only add more questions, but here goes -

Why would you want to cover up the light that is available from the window well?

Could chemicals possibly leech from the concrete which might be harmful to the clematis roots?

Do you want the clematis to sprawl, or would you use some form of a trellis?

If you are serious about adding some life to the window well have you thought of pots of annuals which could be easily moved or changed as the mood strikes, size becomes a problem etc.?

If you still want to plant a clematis there I would try some clematis that are a Group 3 (hard prune), and that have a height of 3'-6', although the vines can be wrapped around the trellis to control their height. If you want it to sprawl, go with a taller clematis..

What colors would work in this area?

Hope you hear from others here. Good luck. Jane

Ok, I'll bite.

My feeling is that if you have a standard window well, it is a bad idea to plant in it because you should keep moisture out of that area. If you have one of those huge window wells that serve as fire exits, then you could grow a small clematis in a pot.

Don't know if this is right place to post this but didn't know where else. I live in a 2 storey townhouse and the basement window well is in front of house where the flower garden or flower bed is planted. My question is how to plant around the window well and should I put a cover on the window well. Don't have problems with leakage or anything. Its not very deep maybe 2ft but I like to be able to open basement window for fresh air. I'd like to build garden up a bit too but how do I do this? Can I put something around the window well to make it higher so I can build soil up higher? Thanks for any advice.

Hi Kay,

I have 3 healthy clematis growing in a bed near a concrete pad without any problems so I don't think you will have any worries with leaching of materials that will harm your clematis or other plantings.

As far as how to help plant around the window well while raising the soil, could you post some pics of the area? I could ask my hubs to look at them, he's a bricklayer/mason. Works with window wells and foundations for a living and will point you in the right direction.

Thanks,
Tracy

Know that those window wells are primarily for escape in case of a fire or other hazard while you are in your basement. Hopefully won't happen, but you want this escape route relatively unimpeded. There are further measures you can take if it is a security concern. Secondarily they're there for light. A personal choice. I always hated those when I had places with basements, too. Good luck in your endeavor, I never did anything but sometimes surround them with potted plants.

kaybee, I've seen hard clear plastic covers for window wells. They look like a good idea, easy to set aside for the summer, or just the day if you want. Never got around to those either, but also looks like a great way to overwinter marginally hardy plants, or start seeds early. Feel free to start your own discussion if you feel like it.