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.

Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

8 Landscaping Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Fireplace for as Many Months as Possible on Long Island, NY

To maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space for as many months as possible on Long Island, NY, you may want to explore the addition of an outdoor fireplace. Here are eight tips to help you enjoy your fireplace after the sun goes down and across more than one or two seasons.

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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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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

Need a New Look? Try These 3 Landscape Design Ideas for Your Backyard in Manhasset and Setauket, NY

Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of homeownership. Your outdoor space is an extension of the home and hosts many of your favorite activities. Its customization is up to you, in order for your patio to become an ideal expression of your outdoor lifestyle. If your outdoor living space needs a new look to achieve this goal, consider the following landscape design ideas for your backyard in Manhasset and Setauket, NY.

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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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