I have a Japanese landscapped front yard and am looking to do the same in
the back. First project is to tackle a drainange problem along one side of
the yard. Issue is pitifully poor grading done - water stands along fence
instead of draining. Slope is pretty sharp with fence roughly 10' out from
house. Am looking for something inexpensive yet durable.

Options:
1) Retaining wall made of 4x4 timbers
2) Retaining wall made of 4x4 timbers with french drain
3) Retaining wall of timbers, faced with false rock
4) Build slope and pile dirt directly along fence, hoping that it does not
rot and termites do not infest the fence line

So, what are other options, how can these be made into more of an oriental
look/solution. Fairly big lot, long fenceline...