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.

Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Types of Masonry for Stunning NY Designs

Masonry is a fundamental component of a striking landscape. Including hardscaping elements in your Port Jefferson Station, NY, yard will add structure and longevity to your design. Despite its unyielding nature, masonry is an extremely versatile form of hardscaping. Stone, brick, and concrete can create stunning features that will enhance your existing landscape.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Using Masonry to Create Landscape Features

The use of masonry elements is a versatile landscaping tool for creating stunning outdoor spaces on Long Island, NY. Stone can be incorporated in a variety of ways and offers practicality, a sense of permanence and a characterful aesthetic.

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