A step stool that people use in their kitchens to reach the high cupboards and put it in the garage when you are done.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

A good suggestion if you consider the stability of the ground on which you're putting the stepstool. I understand your situation and use a good quality stepstool in the kitchen or on the portico to water hanging baskets, etc. But would I use it in the yard on uneven terrain or where there's a possibility the capped tubular front legs could sink in - not a chance.

Does this only apply to front stoops or staircases - but don't codes usually require anything with a rise of 24" above grade have a handrail as well. I sense that theory probably falls apart with multi-leveled, terraced landscaping.

Wonder if a handyman couldn't build a freestanding set of stairs that just butts up against the retaining wall, well anchored in the ground or the top step extended over/onto the upper ground - sort of like a dock. Just looked up pre-built wooden steps and it seemed that someone possessing some carpentry skills, lumber, tools, and a basic understanding of algebra could make something safe and secure and wouldn't eat up too much of your backyard space.

Sounds more like a sloping rock garden than a wall?
Also sounds like rebuilding it would be the best way to acquire the full use of your yard because no matter what you do here, you're going to lose yard space. Sometimes the option you don't want to consider is the best one :-)
This would also be a decision where thinking ahead to resale value might be wise. After all, if you can't climb it, chances are that a potential purchaser won't want to either. So if you would rebuild the wall for sale, why not rebuild it for yourself??

A photo would really help the discussion here.

KarinL

Thank you to everyone for your ideas. I may try the sideways stairs but don't have the funds to rebuild the entire wall (yet). I'd like to send a photo but don't know exactly how to do that if it's not on a web page somewhere.

Cindy

You can open a free account on photobucket or any other photohosting site.

KarinL