What is it about the situation that calls for a terrace (retaining wall)?

Thank you for responding. I'm on a hill.

I've attached a link if your interested in seeing the wall. Excuse the yard - the house was neglected before we bought it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wall LINK

You've already put it in now but otherwise I'll point out it doesn't look like there's enough of a drop there to need a wall. From an aesthetic standpoint it is better to not interrupt the natural contours with a terrace or wall whenever possible - whether you want the garden to look Japanese or not. Since you used rock should be possible to get the desired feeling by doing Japanese style planting within the wall bed, after you bring the grade up to the top of it. Should be able to pull off a sort of larger version of a miniature tray garden or grove-style bonsai.

Look at books about Japanese gardens and gardening as well as web pages to get a more complete overview of ideas and techniques involved. In particular there was one on bookstore shelves awhile back that showed what was being done by some in Japan nowadays, Modern Japanese Gardens or something like that. This might show some layouts more like what homeowners here are likely to come up with than strictly traditional approaches remaining true to situations occurring hundreds of years ago in a distant land.

You did mention checking through some books but maybe you haven't seen that one. But as I said anyway it seems like you can get still get the desired feeling with your wall part of the picture whether you have seen that somebody else has done it before or not. Gardening evolves, same as other human endeavors. Probably most Japanese gardens here are Japan-inspired or influenced rather than rigidly adhering to what might be done in Japan.

Hi taralynna,
Just click on the link to my website then click on Latest Photo's in the right side panel and then click on the photo in the middle of the bottom row.
just to give you an idea what can be done.
George.

Here is a link that might be useful: George's Japanese Garden

Hi,
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOps should have said LEFT SIDE PANEL.
George.

George thats great. There is hope ! Thank you to everyone for responding, I do appreciate your time.