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, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

3 Tips for a Landscape Design with a Seamless Transition from the Front Yard to Backyard in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY Areas

There are so many aspects to great landscape design, but in this post, we’re going to tackle a topic that sometimes gets overlooked. If you’re contemplating changes to your entire landscape in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY, areas, you may want to spend some time considering how the transition between your front yard and backyard can appear seamless.

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Masonry, Outdoor Spaces Katya Pankov Masonry, Outdoor Spaces Katya Pankov

What Are the Top 5 Masonry Trends for a Front Entry and Walkway in Huntington and Stony Brook, NY?

The front entry and its accompanying walkway are some of the most important aspects of the perception of a home in Huntington and Stony Brook, NY. They can be the deciding factors for visitors and passersby in whether your home appears welcoming or not. These masonry ideas could enhance the perception of your already beautiful home.

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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

5 Masonry Ideas to Improve the Look of a Front Entrance in Southampton and Port Jefferson, NY Areas

The front entrance to your home is the most visible portion of your home from the street, so it creates a powerful first impression for guests and passersby if you have a beautiful landscape design. You may view masonry features as the best way to boost those first impressions—here are five ideas to do just that in Southampton and Port Jefferson, NY.

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