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.

Feature the Chef: 5 Ideas for Putting the Focus on Your Outdoor Kitchen in Southampton and Babylon, NY

Dining outside with friends and family is one of life’s great pleasures, especially outdoors in Southampton and Babylon, NY. Outdoor kitchens provide chefs, both amateur and professional, with the opportunity of showcasing their talents as well as the beauty of the backyard. Building the perfect outdoor kitchen can be a great passion project, so it’s important to start with some solid ideas.

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

Landscaping Tips for Achieving a Cohesive Design for the Areas Around Your Babylon, NY Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is just the start of unlocking the full potential of your backyard. As you begin to add different features and change the look of your landscape, make sure to consider how to connect your home and your pool. Here are some landscaping tips for achieving a cohesive design for the areas around your Babylon, NY swimming pool.

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Pool Katya Pankov Pool Katya Pankov

4 Fun Design Concepts for Fiberglass Pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY Areas

As you begin the process of designing your perfect fiberglass pool, you probably already have a few concepts in mind. Fiberglass pools are often preferred for their design flexibility, making it so landscaping professionals can turn pool dreams into reality. Here are four fun design concepts for fiberglass pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY areas.

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Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov

How to Make Your Swimming Pool Fun and Safe for Your Kids in Southampton and Babylon, NY, Areas

No matter what age your kids are, it’s always fun to gather in and around the pool, but there are also some important safety measures to put in place to make sure that everyone continues to have a good time. Here are some ideas on how to make your swimming pool fun and safe for your kids in the Southampton and Babylon, NY, areas.

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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Building a Modern Retreat With Masonry in Babylon, NY

A modern landscape design can lead to your own personal retreat that you can escape to anytime. The key themes for a modern design include simplicity, sustainability, and a clean, geometric look. Consider how the use of masonry can go a long way toward achieving all of these themes for a Babylon, NY, landscape that you will enjoy for years to come.

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