Soil can be maintained at varying heights on either side of a retaining wall, which is a somewhat hard wall used to support soil laterally. A retaining wall is a man-made structure used to maintain soil on a slope (usually a steep, near-vertical, or vertical slope) that the soil would otherwise slide down. In areas with steep or otherwise unfavorable slopes, or in places where the landscape must be radically reshaped and built for reasons such as hillside farming or traffic overpasses, these structures are utilized to bind soils between the two levels. Seawalls and bulkheads are types of retaining walls that keep water out while keeping soil in. 

1. Plan your project. Before you start digging, it's important to have a plan for your retaining wall. This includes determining the height and length of the wall, as well as the type of stone you will use.
2. Install the base layer. The base layer of your retaining wall is typically made of gravel or crushed stone. This layer will help to drain water away from the wall and prevent it from frost heaving.
3. Start building the wall. Once the base layer is in place, you can start building the wall itself. Be sure to use a level to ensure that the wall is straight.
4. Backfill the wall. Once the wall is built, you can backfill the area around it with soil. Be sure to tamp the soil down firmly to prevent it from settling.

Building a retaining wall can be a challenging project, but it is also a rewarding one. By following these tips, you can be sure to build a wall that will last for years to come.

Look for a boulder that can be found locally in the pacific northwest such as basalt boulders, or try a beautiful quartzite with streaks of glitter, all available at your local American Stone.