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.

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

What Are the Top 5 Masonry Trends for a Front Entry and Walkway in Huntington and Stony Brook, NY?

The front entry and its accompanying walkway are some of the most important aspects of the perception of a home in Huntington and Stony Brook, NY. They can be the deciding factors for visitors and passersby in whether your home appears welcoming or not. These masonry ideas could enhance the perception of your already beautiful home.

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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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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

7 Stone Masonry Wall Ideas for Babylon, NY, Landscapes

Masonry walls are beautiful, timeless, durable, practical, and like the little black dress, they go with every style. Whether you prefer the look of mortared or dry-stack (mortarless) walls, here are seven masonry wall ideas for Babylon, NY, landscapes.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

5 Masonry Features to Boost Your Babylon, NY, Outdoor Living Space

If you want to bring new life to your Babylon, NY, landscape or create something entirely new, consider incorporating modern masonry to give your property a custom appearance. With the right masonry features for your landscape, you can boost the curb appeal of your landscape while also expanding the functionality of your outdoor space.

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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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Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov

Revitalize your Two-Dimensional Deer Park Landscape Design using Retaining Walls

A flat expanse of grass, concrete, or stone can sometimes waste the full potential of an outdoor space. Regardless of how many square feet you own, there is virtually limitless vertical space available for you to wonder at and enjoy. Investing in tall structures like pergolas and pillars will go a long way in giving your Deer Park, NY, landscape a professional look while making it more interesting and unique.

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