The Gary Duff Designs Blog

Ideas That Shape the Way Long Island Lives Outdoors

Design is always evolving, and so are the ways we live outside. The Gary Duff Designs Blog shares expert insight, creative inspiration, and time-tested advice from fifty years of landscape design and construction on Long Island, NY.

Outdoor living space with custom pergola, stone patio, and waterfront views in Port Washington, NY
Landscape design featuring layered plantings and a curved stone walkway beside a historic home in Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Explore Our Outdoor Living Insights

  • Create spaces that bring comfort, beauty, and purpose to everyday life.

  • Stay ahead with fresh perspectives from our design team.

  • Discover ideas that reflect the Long Island lifestyle.

  •  Learn how to prepare, plant, and maintain for year-round impact.

  • Practical ways to protect and preserve your investment.

Every article reflects the same principles that define our work: intentional design, enduring craftsmanship, and local expertise.

Where Inspiration Meets Expertise


From patio ideas that make entertaining effortless to seasonal landscaping tips that keep your property thriving, our team brings clarity and creativity to every topic. Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or maintaining, you’ll find guidance rooted in experience and love for the craft.

Now is the Time to Plan a New Dix Hills or Port Washington, NY Swimming Pool for Next Summer Fun

For those lucky enough to reside in the scenic settings of Dix Hills or Port Washington, NY, the allure of the seasons is ever apparent. With the summer sun casting golden hues, it paints the picture-perfect moment to consider a new swimming pool addition to your residence. The pursuit of outdoor luxury beckons, and here's why planning now promises unparalleled delights for the forthcoming warm days.

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Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

Landscaping Ideas That Encourage Hosting in the Port Washington and Huntington, NY Areas

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways to make your home the perfect spot for hosting your friends and family in the Port Washington and Huntington, NY areas. Whether you’re interested in adding a louvered pergola, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, or a fire feature, here are some ideas for creating a backyard oasis that is perfect for hosting.

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Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

3 Tips for a Landscape Design with a Seamless Transition from the Front Yard to Backyard in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY Areas

There are so many aspects to great landscape design, but in this post, we’re going to tackle a topic that sometimes gets overlooked. If you’re contemplating changes to your entire landscape in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY, areas, you may want to spend some time considering how the transition between your front yard and backyard can appear seamless.

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6 Options for Adding a Rustic Outdoor Kitchen to Your Landscape Design in Deer Park, NY

Even the best outdoor living spaces can be enhanced by an outdoor kitchen that’s designed to address both everyday family activities and occasional outdoor parties. With the right design, your outdoor kitchen can become the hub of outdoor living and the source of incredible al fresco meals. Here are six options for including a rustic outdoor kitchen in your landscape design in Deer Park, NY.

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Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

5 Farmhouse-Inspired Landscape Design Ideas for Backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, Backyards

Sometimes the best place to start when thinking through a new landscape project is the theme. One classic theme that stands the test of time is a farmhouse atmosphere. These five farmhouse-inspired landscape design ideas for backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, will turn your backyard into a comfortable, traditional, and enjoyable space.

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The Archive