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, Residential Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Residential Katya Pankov

Creating Lush Outdoor Spaces With Custom Plantings in Stony Brook and Smithtown, NY

A well-planned outdoor space relies on thoughtful design and skillful placement of plantings. Homeowners looking to enhance their property with plantings in Stony Brook, NY, and Smithtown, NY, can benefit from working with a professional team that understands both the art and science of landscape design. Our experts handle all aspects of planning, selection, and installation to create balanced outdoor environments that feel natural and harmonious. Whether building from an existing layout or starting fresh, we design spaces that highlight texture, color, and structure through the careful placement of every planting.

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

5 Landscape Architecture Ideas to Create a Relaxing Outdoor Space in Manhasset and Port Washington, NY

Your backyard should be the place where you and your family can retreat to tune out the problems and stresses of the outside world. It should be a place that is specially curated to the needs and lifestyle of your family. Here are five landscape architecture ideas to create a relaxing outdoor space in Manhasset and Port Washington, NY.

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Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov

Backyard Transformations: What Should the Area Around Your Swimming Pool Look Like in Mt. Sinai, NY?

As you build out your backyard oasis in Mt. Sinai, NY, you’ll want to focus on integration between the different parts of your outdoor living space. Focusing on integrating your swimming pool will give you some fantastic opportunities to create a hub for summer fun and making memories with loved ones. Consider these designs and features as you think about the possibilities for your backyard transformation.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

5 Landscape Architecture Ideas for Creating Private Outdoor Living Spaces in Long Island, NY

If you are like most homeowners, spending time in your outdoor space with family and friends is something that you look forward to all year long. The need for privacy is paramount during the special time of year when it’s warm and these gatherings can happen often. Here are some landscape architecture ideas for creating a private outdoor living space in Long Island, NY:

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