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.

Luxury Swimming Pool Ideas for Lloyd Harbor and Syosset, NY Homes

If you're fortunate enough to reside in the picturesque areas of Lloyd Harbor or Syosset, New York, you understand the importance of making the most out of your outdoor living space. A luxurious swimming pool isn't just a water feature; it's a statement of elegance and relaxation, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of your surroundings. In this guide, discover some exquisite swimming pool ideas tailored to elevate the ambiance and allure of your home.

Read More
Landscape Design, Pool Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Pool Katya Pankov

Syosset and Southampton, NY's Guide to Luxurious Swimming Pool Designs

Creating a luxurious swimming pool in your Syosset or Southampton, NY, home is about blending functionality with personalized style. In these areas known for their upscale residences and beautiful landscapes, a well-designed pool isn't just a place to swim—it's a centerpiece of your outdoor living space, a symbol of luxury and relaxation. Here are some aspects to consider for a swimming pool that epitomizes luxury and elegance.

Read More
Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Plan a Long Island or Stony Brook, NY Swimming Pool for Installation That’s Ready for Next Summer

This is the ideal time of year to work with a professional on your Long Island or Stony Brook, NY dream swimming pool so it is ready for summertime outdoor fun. Landscape companies that design and install inground pools are often less busy in the chilly months, meaning you can take advantage of their slower pace to plan your new outdoor living area. See how early planning can deliver big results when the warm weather returns.

Read More
Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

Make a Splash in a Stunning Swimming Pool in the Southampton and Northport, NY Areas

For so many in the Southampton and Northport, NY areas, the pinnacle of summertime fun is spending time in a swimming pool. Whether you tend to be the hotspot for the neighborhood barbecue, the host of kids’ birthday parties, or an area for adults to unwind after a long week, a swimming pool can bring so much enjoyment to every group that wants to use it.

Read More
Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

If You Love to Entertain, an Upscale Swimming Pool Is What You Are Missing in The Stony Brook, NY Area

The days of summer can bring some incredible memories for you and your family, and those great times can be even better with the right landscape design—and a swimming pool. With some fantastic design options and exciting additions, your new poolscape in Stony Brook, NY, could be the ultimate staycation-worthy space, especially if you love to entertain.

Read More
Pool, Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov Pool, Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov

Enjoy Your Manhasset, NY Backyard Pool Long Into the Night With Outdoor Lighting

Owning a pool can change your entire outdoor lifestyle for the better. However, you can’t enjoy a pool to the fullest without some proper outdoor lighting. This summer, you can enjoy your Manhasset, NY, backyard pool long into the night with outdoor lighting. Here are some top techniques for adding ambience to your pool area.

Read More
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.

Read More

The Archive