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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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

Patio Designs for Easy Navigation and Traffic Flow in Port Jefferson

An ill-designed patio isn’t always obviously poorly planned out until it’s in use. Once the furniture is brought in, guests arrive, and people begin to move around the space, only then will some defects become apparent. Issues with space, entrance and exits, and clear walking room should be taken care of during the design process to ensure that your Port Jefferson, NY, patio design facilitates easy navigation and traffic flow.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Why a Unilock Authorized Contractor is the Way to go for your Hardscape Remodel

While your hardscape has the obvious functional purpose of providing outdoor living space, it also has a huge aesthetic impact on your home. As you choose a contractor, keep in mind that a Unilock Authorized Contractor in Washington, NY, has durable materials at their disposal, intensive training and evaluation, and a reputable guarantee to back him or her in the field.

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