• Apr 05, 2025

Using Colored Landscaping Rocks in Your Utah Spring Yard

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Utah’s spring season is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space—and colored landscaping rocks are one of the most effective and low-maintenance ways to do it. Whether you're a homeowner sprucing up a front walkway, a DIYer building a backyard oasis, or a contractor working on a large-scale install, Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center has a wide selection of stone products ready to bring your spring vision to life.

From subtle tones to bold accents, colored decorative landscaping rock can bring personality, function, and durability to your yard. They hold up to the elements, require little upkeep, and instantly elevate curb appeal. Plus, the variety of shapes, sizes, and hues means there’s something for every type of project—from modern minimalist designs to natural and rustic aesthetics.

Why Colored Landscaping Rocks?

Decorative landscaping rocks do more than just look good. They offer long-term benefits that make them ideal for Utah yards:

  • Low maintenance: No watering, mowing, or trimming.

  • Weed control: When used with landscaping fabric, they significantly reduce weed growth.

  • Durability: These rocks hold up in Utah’s unpredictable weather, from spring snow to summer heat.

  • Water-wise landscaping: Perfect for xeriscaping or Localscapes™ projects, reducing your water bill and environmental impact.

Whether you need an elegant finish around your flower beds or a hardy base for pathways, colored rock is a smart, stylish solution.

Best Colored Rocks for Curb Appeal

Let’s look at some top-rated colored landscaping rocks from Kilgore’s selection, starting with standout products for adding color and texture:

Desert Rose (1″)

With hues of tan, brown, orange, and purple, Desert Rose adds warmth and richness to any space. It pairs beautifully with drought-resistant plants and looks striking against lighter hardscape elements.

Berry Dazzle (1½″)

This plum-colored rock with flecks of sparkling quartzite brings a dramatic and luxurious vibe to flower beds or patios. It's a popular choice for homeowners who want a bold, eye-catching look.

Gunsmoke (1½″–2″)

The matte gray color of Gunsmoke is ideal for contemporary homes. It gives a clean, modern edge to gardens and walkways and looks great next to wood, concrete, or steel.

California Crush (1½″)

Gray tones remain a landscaping favorite for good reason—they match almost everything and are especially popular in RV parking areas or modern urban designs.

You can use these colored landscaping rocks alone or combine multiple sizes and shades to create contrast, borders, or visual interest. They’re sold by the ton or yard and available for delivery or pickup at Kilgore's Salt Lake landscape center in West Jordan.

Building Function and Drainage with Washed Rock

In addition to appearance, functionality matters—especially in Utah’s clay-heavy soil. Washed rock provides both. It refers to gravel that has been cleaned to remove fine particles like clay, sand, and dust. What you're left with is a clean, jagged rock that offers excellent drainage and structural stability.

This makes it a reliable option for French drains, retaining wall bases, dry creek beds, and any project that demands both strength and water flow. It’s especially useful during Utah’s wet spring season when melting snow and spring storms can oversaturate landscapes.

Products like Granite 1½″ Crush Rock and Dark Grey Chat combine the rugged performance of washed rocks with a consistent appearance that blends well with both natural and contemporary landscapes.

According to the University of Vermont's Sea Grant program, incorporating a washed gravel subbase beneath permeable surfaces like pavers can enhance stormwater management by allowing more runoff to infiltrate the ground, particularly in areas with clay soils.

Using Decorative Landscaping Rock for Borders and Beds

Not all rock is meant to support structures—some are simply for beauty. Decorative landscaping rock can be used for landscape designs by acting as a visual border, creating focal points, or highlighting planting beds.

If you’re designing a front yard with shrubs and perennials, or a backyard with ornamental trees, decorative landscaping rock are a great way to enhance those features without overpowering them.

Here are a few decorative standouts from Kilgore’s collection:

  • Arctic Pebbles ½″–1″: A smooth blend of purple, pink, and cream tones. Great for pathways or small bed accents.

  • Dark Grey Chat: A crushed rock with subtle sparkle, great for top dressing in garden beds or path fillers.

  • Lava Rock (Black Medium or Small): Lightweight and fire-resistant, lava rock adds a dramatic black contrast—perfect around fire pits or desert-themed yards.

A well-placed bed of decorative landscaping rocks gives structure and polish to your planting layout, especially when paired with bark mulch or native plants.

Bring in the Bold with Mexican Beach Cobble

For something upscale and striking, you can’t go wrong with Mexican Beach Cobble. These naturally smoothed stones are imported from Mexico’s coastline and offer deep, dark color tones with a glossy finish when wet. Mexican beach cobble is also a sustainable choice for landscapes.

Kilgore carries Mexican Beach Cobble in multiple sizes, including 

They're perfect for high-end projects like:

  • Water features and fountains

  • Modern entryways

  • Zen garden designs

  • Highlighting raised planters

They're a favorite of contractors and designers because they instantly elevate a property’s look while maintaining low upkeep.

Landscaping Cobbles for a Natural Touch (continued)

Kilgore’s top picks in this category include:

These landscaping cobbles help slow down water runoff, reduce erosion, and enhance any natural-looking design. They’re also sturdy enough to use along pathways or around tree wells.

Don’t Forget Flagstone: The Foundation of a Functional Yard

Every successful outdoor design needs a solid, functional anchor—and flag stone fills that role perfectly. Whether you’re designing a patio, steps, or pathways that guide guests through your yard, flagstone adds both structure and a natural aesthetic.

Kilgore offers several top-selling options:


The Washington County Water Conservancy District notes that “patios or walkways using ungrouted pavers or flagstone that allow water and air to pass through can be considered mulch," emphasizing their permeability and contribution to water conservation.

This makes flag stone especially well-suited to Utah yards, where wet springs and sunny summers demand both safety and durability.

Where to Shop for Rock in Utah

If you’re looking to browse in person, ask questions, or get same-week delivery, Kilgore's Salt Lake landscape center has everything you need. Located at 7961 S 1300 W in West Jordan, Kilgore Landscape Center is part of Asphalt Materials Inc. and brings over 40 years of local experience to the table.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Competitive pricing by the yard or ton

  • U-Cart concrete rentals for DIYers

  • Delivery throughout Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front

  • Experienced staff available to help with load-out, measurements, and material planning

They’re a top choice for Utah contractors, homeowners, and professional landscapers alike—especially when spring hits and outdoor project planning ramps up.

Tips for Designing with Rock This Spring

A few quick pointers to help you get the most out of your colored rock this season:

  • Balance bold and neutral tones: Combine colored landscaping rocks like Berry Dazzle with California Crush or Desert Pearl to create striking contrasts that don’t feel too busy.

  • Use landscape fabric below rock beds: It dramatically cuts down on weeds and keeps rocks cleaner.

  • Plan for drainage: Choose washed rock products where needed to protect your foundation and avoid pooling water.

  • Create borders with cobbles: Frame patios, flower beds, or lawns with landscaping cobbles or decorative landscaping rock for a natural finish that softens the hard edges.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the perfect time to reimagine your yard—and colored landscaping rocks from Kilgore give you the tools to do it in a way that’s beautiful, practical, and long-lasting. Whether you're going for sleek and modern with Mexican beach cobble, rustic charm with flag stone, or natural drainage with washed rock, Kilgore’s wide selection has something to fit your style and your yard.

Stop by Kilgore's Salt Lake landscape center today or call (801) 561-4231 to get started on your spring landscape upgrade.

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