Abstract: A retaining tie system is designed and engineered to stack, nest and interlock without mortar. The system includes an anchor block which is formed in a T-shape with the head of the T adapted to extend backward into a hillside and act as an anchor for the system. A plurality of stringer blocks lie horizontally along the face of the hillside between the retaining blocks. Corner tie blocks are notched to intersect one another forming 90.degree. angles and are used in conjunction with each other in positions to form either inside or outside corner turns. The system can be used for terracing and stepping backward or forward, and for stepping up and down to fit different grades of the hillside. All the blocks interlock with one another to form a permanent, self-sustaining structure.