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.

Landscape Design, Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Revitalize Your Long Island NY Home With Expert Masonry Services

When considering an upgrade to your Long Island, NY home, expert masonry services can play a pivotal role in revitalizing your outdoor space. The use of natural stone, brick, or concrete not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also adds durability. Here are the ways expert masonry can transform your property into a more luxurious and welcoming space.

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Landscape Design, Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Why Manhasset and Huntington, NY Residents are Opting for a Custom-Designed Swimming Pool

In the scenic locales of Manhasset and Huntington, NY, having a private swimming pool is not just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle choice that brings a unique blend of leisure, entertainment, and aesthetic appeal to your home. More and more residents are opting for custom-designed swimming pools, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Here’s why a bespoke pool is becoming an essential feature in these vibrant communities.

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Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Plan a Long Island or Stony Brook, NY Swimming Pool for Installation That’s Ready for Next Summer

This is the ideal time of year to work with a professional on your Long Island or Stony Brook, NY dream swimming pool so it is ready for summertime outdoor fun. Landscape companies that design and install inground pools are often less busy in the chilly months, meaning you can take advantage of their slower pace to plan your new outdoor living area. See how early planning can deliver big results when the warm weather returns.

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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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Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Make a Splash in a Stunning Swimming Pool in the Southampton and Northport, NY Areas

For so many in the Southampton and Northport, NY areas, the pinnacle of summertime fun is spending time in a swimming pool. Whether you tend to be the hotspot for the neighborhood barbecue, the host of kids’ birthday parties, or an area for adults to unwind after a long week, a swimming pool can bring so much enjoyment to every group that wants to use it.

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Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Dive Into Luxury With Your Dream Swimming Pool in the Southampton and Huntington, NY Areas

A swimming pool tends to serve as the central feature when it’s added to an outdoor living space, by contributing to the overall beauty, functionality, and luxuriousness of a home. Here are some ideas for creating a dream swimming pool that combines beauty and functionality in the Southampton and Huntington, NY areas.

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Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

If You Love to Entertain, an Upscale Swimming Pool Is What You Are Missing in The Stony Brook, NY Area

The days of summer can bring some incredible memories for you and your family, and those great times can be even better with the right landscape design—and a swimming pool. With some fantastic design options and exciting additions, your new poolscape in Stony Brook, NY, could be the ultimate staycation-worthy space, especially if you love to entertain.

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