I just made a post called "Multiple Stone Projects" with pics, but here's the link again. It starts on image #30. This wall is 1 layer thick, with top stones that extend back 18" - 24" into the slope. The effect is of a more massive wall than it really is. We back-filled with gravel.
{{gwi:288411}}From Stone Wall Construction

Regards,

K4

I built a stone bed for my planned raspberry patch in my garden. The photo isn't great, but here it is...
{{gwi:288412}}From 2008 Garden

I did not build the actual retaining wall behind it.

I can't vouch for the solidity of my little wall, but I think it will work for what I'm using it for.

We also built this small garden bed as part of another stone project. {{gwi:288413}}From 2008 Backyard project

It's not quite finished, but you get the idea. These were larger stones than my rasp. patch, so they are much more stable. I step on them quite often. I think when we get this planted, it will look like it's been there for a long time.

If you click on the pictures and scroll through the album, they show a backwards progression....

If you plan not to go over 2 ft, you don't really need to back fill with gravel and leave out the landscape fabric.

If you are putting it on soil that has not been recently disturbed, you do not need a base. Cut a shallow trench - maybe 4", and start laying stone. It should be laid just like one side of the wall you built.