Planting ‘steps’ on a Hill

A small hillside can create a poetic garden scene, serve as a destination for the garden and help expand the space of our yard (if you can get to the top of the hill). Often we combine artistically pleasing garden features with a utilitarian set of steps.

The trick here is to get a stone with a thick riser so it can serve as a step up. Use a straight shovel to dig into the hillside for the stone you are ‘planting’ and dig a flat area parallel to the stone you just placed for the next step. Use 2’ of stone dust under each ‘step’ to make a sturdy base so the stone doesn’t rock.

Plant ferns, tiarella, Lenten rose or ajuga around the steps for the woodland effect.  It is heavy work, so get a few people on the project and take it slow.

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.