An improved erosion control system has a field of spines disposed on a support structure. The spines capture landscaping material that is placed on top of the erosion control system, hiding the landscape/erosion control system. The spines are arranged in relation to each other and to the lower support structure such that spaces exist between most of the distal portions of the spines, and the spines are relatively stiff such that the distal ends of the spines stand away from the lower support structure when in a rest position to capture the landscape material.