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.

Landscaping in Smithtown and Deer Park, NY: Creating Serene Water Features for Relaxation

In Smithtown and Deer Park, NY, where the pace of life can be as rapid as it is anywhere in the metro area, homeowners increasingly seek tranquility in their own backyards. Landscape professionals can design stunning water features and provide a focal point of beauty and a soothing presence to your landscaping. Here’s how expert landscapers can create serene water features that can transform any outdoor space into a sanctuary of peace.

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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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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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Planning Your Swimming Pool for Next Summer in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY

Next summer in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY, can be all about having the most fun possible in your customized swimming pool. Whether you expect to have many guests or plan to keep things intimate next summer, customizing your pool allows you to make your mark on seasonal enjoyment.

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