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, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

How the Shape of a Swimming Pool Can Influence Your Landscape Style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY

The shape of your pool will not only dictate the visuals and use of the pool itself, but it will also influence the design of the rest of your landscape. As you plan out your perfect swimming pool this spring, be sure to read further on how the shape of a swimming pool can influence your landscape style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY.

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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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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Masonry Options: Ideas for a Beautiful Driveway in Deer Park and Manhasset, NY

In many ways, your driveway is likely a key feature of your landscape that often gets overlooked, even though the surface makes up a large percentage of your overall landscape. As you consider considerable updates to your driveway, keep in mind whether you want your driveway to shine brighter in your landscape. There are many ways to make it more beautiful, long-lasting, and functional. Here are some masonry options for a new driveway in Deer Park and Manhasset, NY.

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Outdoor Living, Pergola Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Pergola Katya Pankov

3 Materials to Pair With a Wooden Pergola in Deer Park and Old Westbury, NY Area

Pergolas are a wonderful addition to an outdoor living space. They offer shade from the blazing sun as well as a touch of sophistication. Sometimes, though, they stick out and don’t seem to be quite as integrated into the space as they could be. To help a wooden pergola fit in visually, here are three materials to pair with it in the Deer Park and Old Westbury, NY, areas.

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Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov

Revitalize your Two-Dimensional Deer Park Landscape Design using Retaining Walls

A flat expanse of grass, concrete, or stone can sometimes waste the full potential of an outdoor space. Regardless of how many square feet you own, there is virtually limitless vertical space available for you to wonder at and enjoy. Investing in tall structures like pergolas and pillars will go a long way in giving your Deer Park, NY, landscape a professional look while making it more interesting and unique.

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