@thendrix Something like blueberry bushes should thrive in what I suspect is sandy soil and clay. The root system should help stabilize the ground especially if it is the wild variety. Some sassafras trees on the middle steps should help to stabilize that section well. I suppose more needy plants can be placed on the bottom steps as they will have more protection from direct sunlight and a fair share of water from the rain.
When I see landscaping steps with gravel it just seems like such a waste when it could be a very good garden. The soil mix can be changed with each step so a variety of plants can be grown. If you want an ugly tree that produces fruit, there's always the peach.
Eventually the run off will make it grow weeds and grass so that's maybe a year or two before it starts to be a problem.
@thendrix Ah yes the good ole black mat stuff.
Nah, I’m running fiber under it and likely a bit to the sides to avoid the weeds