While expense has no influence in the elements used to create this backyard waterfall and landscaping, these type of retaining wall blocks and planters are always a good consideration when expense is an issue. They are also a good consideration when basic do it yourself skills are minimal.
Certain city and local codes may apply when building a retaining wall above a certain height. It's always a good idea to check. And if you're not familiar with building a wall like this, see retaining walls for detailed help and idea pictures.
The cloth you see sticking up from behind the blocks is a measure we take to keep the soil from seeping out of the cracks between the blocks of the waterfall construction. We line the entire inside of the retaining wall planter with a quality landscape fabric.