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, 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.

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Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

5 Different Ways an Outdoor Fireplace Will Enhance Your Outdoor Living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY

In creating the perfect backyard, there are many ways to make friends and family more comfortable and create a much more practical outdoor living space that you can use year-round. Here are five different ways an outdoor fireplace will enhance your outdoor living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY.

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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.

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Landscape Design, Pergola, Gazebo Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Pergola, Gazebo Katya Pankov

Freshen Up Your Landscape Design in Sag Harbor and Old Westbury, NY, This Spring With These 5 Tips

Spring offers an opportune time to start realizing landscaping projects you have dreamed about all winter. From adopting eco-friendly standards to designing native greenscapes, from a new shelter structure to water features and permeable driveway pavers, your outdoor living space can benefit from an update.

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Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

Turning an Outdoor Fireplace Into a Gathering Space With the Right Seating Options in Sag Harbor and Huntington, NY

An outdoor fireplace could be much more than a luxurious feature in a landscape in Sag Harbor or Huntington, NY. It would allow you more time to enjoy your outdoor space, and it would create additional opportunities for relaxing and entertaining—that is, if you have the right seating. Here are our tips for turning an outdoor fireplace into a gathering space with the right seating options.

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4 Style Options for the Modern Outdoor Kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, Areas

If one of the activities you’ve been doing more of include cooking outside, and your cooking experience hasn’t been ideal, it could be the ideal time to start planning an upgrade. To inspire you, here are four style options for the modern outdoor kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, areas.

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