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 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 Spaces Katya Pankov Outdoor Spaces Katya Pankov

Take Advantage of Your Large Backyard by Adding an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Landscape Design in Port Washington, NY

There are so many wonderful memories to create when you and your family can enjoy a meal together in your Port Washington, NY, backyard. When you include an outdoor kitchen in your landscape design, you can customize it to your cooking and entertaining style—in fact, no other backyard feature offers such an amazing capacity for creative expression.

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Ideas for Backyard Designs in Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, Become Limitless When You Consider These Gaming Options

As you think about how to optimize your outdoor living spaces, it’s good to look for some new ideas in backyard entertainment. Here are some backyard designs for Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, homes centered around gaming options.

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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

Rediscover the Serenity of a Swimming Pool With These Masonry Design Ideas in Port Washington, NY

As with many other landscape applications, expert masonry is often considered a must for the features around a swimming pool. Whether your pool area needs an update or you’re planning your brand-new dream pool that will add a sense of serenity to your landscape, here are some masonry ideas to consider in Port Washington, NY.

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Outdoor Living, Outdoor Spaces Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Spaces Katya Pankov

Functional Masonry for Outdoor Living Spaces That Are As Useful As They Are Beautiful in Port Washington, NY

If you’re looking for ideas on how to enhance your outdoor living spaces this summer, don’t overlook the beauty and practicality of masonry. Even one masonry feature can completely transform your space. Here are a few ideas for functional masonry for outdoor living spaces that are as useful as they are beautiful in Port Washington, NY.

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