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 Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

Need a New Look? Try These 3 Landscape Design Ideas for Your Backyard in Manhasset and Setauket, NY

Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of homeownership. Your outdoor space is an extension of the home and hosts many of your favorite activities. Its customization is up to you, in order for your patio to become an ideal expression of your outdoor lifestyle. If your outdoor living space needs a new look to achieve this goal, consider the following landscape design ideas for your backyard in Manhasset and Setauket, NY.

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3 Backyard Designs That Include Inviting Shade Structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY

As summer transitions into fall, you may be thinking about two things: how your summer backyard fun could have been better, and how you can extend your outdoor living into the cooler months. With a shade structure, you can. Here are three backyard designs that include inviting shade structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY.

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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

5 Contemporary Patio Designs That Can Make Your Patio Stand Out in the Northport and Setauket, NY Areas

When it’s time for a new patio, you may be feeling overwhelmed with choices. Browsing the internet and gathering ideas is a great start, but pictures don’t always tell the whole story. You also want to marry function with beauty. To help you do that, here are five contemporary patio designs that can make your patio stand out in the Northport and Setauket, NY areas.

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

7 Special Water Features to Add to a Swimming Pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY Areas

As your new swimming pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY, goes through the design process, you can also customize it with unique features. Whether you want to mostly relax, exercise, or entertain friends and family at your pool, there is a special water feature that can make your dreams come true. If you need a little inspiration, here are seven special water features that could be added to a swimming pool.

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The Archive