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.

Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

8 Landscaping Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Fireplace for as Many Months as Possible on Long Island, NY

To maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space for as many months as possible on Long Island, NY, you may want to explore the addition of an outdoor fireplace. Here are eight tips to help you enjoy your fireplace after the sun goes down and across more than one or two seasons.

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Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

5 Different Ways an Outdoor Fireplace Will Enhance Your Outdoor Living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY

In creating the perfect backyard, there are many ways to make friends and family more comfortable and create a much more practical outdoor living space that you can use year-round. Here are five different ways an outdoor fireplace will enhance your outdoor living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY.

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Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

Get the Most Use Out of Your Outdoor Fireplace This Spring in Old Westbury and Huntington, NY, Areas

If you are constantly dreaming about fun times spent outdoors with family and friends, why not get a jump start to the outdoor season by focusing on a new outdoor fireplace? With a few ideas, it could become an amazing place to relax and get some fresh air, even when the air is still frosty.

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Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

Turning an Outdoor Fireplace Into a Gathering Space With the Right Seating Options in Sag Harbor and Huntington, NY

An outdoor fireplace could be much more than a luxurious feature in a landscape in Sag Harbor or Huntington, NY. It would allow you more time to enjoy your outdoor space, and it would create additional opportunities for relaxing and entertaining—that is, if you have the right seating. Here are our tips for turning an outdoor fireplace into a gathering space with the right seating options.

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