There are times when a cost saving technique may be required on a project – without losing any design integrity. These simple steps – they could be single slabs instead of multiple units as shown here – do not require any risers, or indeed, any need to be constructed in a monolithic manner, neighbour against neighbour. They are built as independent units, paving laid on a suitable sized concrete bed, almost as stepping stones, set out equidistantly and to a pattern, but by using hedging plants as risers, there is no need to construct any face work under the slabs.
It may be easier to shutter the front (and sides?) of each step to hold the wet concrete during construction, and perhaps even leave it in place, the planting will disguise both the front and sides of each tread.
You may also consider other suitable plants – I have used buxus sempervirens here – e.g. santolina incana, ilex crenata or perhaps one of the dwarf berberis species, to suit the style and colour scheme of the project. This design feature will certainly soften what can be a very hard visual aspect of garden planning when combined with practical requirements.
