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.

Designing and Installing a Resort-Style Swimming Pool in Your Setauket or Long Island, NY Backyard

Many homeowners in Setauket, NY, and Long Island, NY, dream of turning their backyards into a luxurious oasis with resort-style swimming pools. A professional landscape designer can create a stunning and functional space where you can relax and entertain. With expert design and installation, your swimming pool will become the centerpiece of your outdoor living area, offering endless enjoyment and enhancing the value of your home.

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

Revitalize Your Long Island NY Home With Expert Masonry Services

When considering an upgrade to your Long Island, NY home, expert masonry services can play a pivotal role in revitalizing your outdoor space. The use of natural stone, brick, or concrete not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also adds durability. Here are the ways expert masonry can transform your property into a more luxurious and welcoming space.

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

Why Manhasset and Huntington, NY Residents are Opting for a Custom-Designed Swimming Pool

In the scenic locales of Manhasset and Huntington, NY, having a private swimming pool is not just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle choice that brings a unique blend of leisure, entertainment, and aesthetic appeal to your home. More and more residents are opting for custom-designed swimming pools, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Here’s why a bespoke pool is becoming an essential feature in these vibrant communities.

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
Landscape Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

How the Shape of a Swimming Pool Can Influence Your Landscape Style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY

The shape of your pool will not only dictate the visuals and use of the pool itself, but it will also influence the design of the rest of your landscape. As you plan out your perfect swimming pool this spring, be sure to read further on how the shape of a swimming pool can influence your landscape style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY.

Read More
Pool Katya Pankov Pool Katya Pankov

4 Fun Design Concepts for Fiberglass Pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY Areas

As you begin the process of designing your perfect fiberglass pool, you probably already have a few concepts in mind. Fiberglass pools are often preferred for their design flexibility, making it so landscaping professionals can turn pool dreams into reality. Here are four fun design concepts for fiberglass pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY areas.

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

5 Tips for Highly Customized Fiberglass Pools in Port Jefferson and Mt. Sinai, NY, Areas

Whether your backyard is expansive or on the smaller side, a customized fiberglass pool can become the centerpiece of summer fun in the Port Jefferson and Mt. Sinai, NY, areas. Useful features can be built right into the structure of the pool, or the landscape can be altered to help unify the entire backyard. Working with a landscape design company to customize your pool is a surefire way toward making progress on your dream backyard/destination spot.

Read More

The Archive