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

Landscape Design Tips for a Backyard That Can Be Used Year-Round in Oyster Bay and Southampton, NY, Areas 

If you’ve been wondering how much use you’ll get from a backyard that mostly centers around a pool, there are some creative workarounds that can make all the difference. Here are landscape design tips for a backyard that can be used year-round in the Oyster Bay and Southampton, NY, areas.

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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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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Consider These Materials for Your Huntington, NY, Outdoor Kitchen

It’s fun to dream about a new or upgraded outdoor kitchen. Take the time to plan your kitchen to avoid the disappointment of design afterthoughts. To help inspire the new hub of your outdoor living, consider these materials for your Huntington, NY, outdoor kitchen.

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