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.

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

A Gazebo Can Add a Luxurious Spot to Relax in Your Mt. Sinai and Northport, NY, Backyard

When you’re looking for ideas on how to complete your landscape design, you may want to look no further than adding a gazebo. Whether you will use it primarily to enjoy a quiet breakfast on a weekend morning or as the perfect spot for sunset watching, there are many ways a gazebo can enhance your landscape in your Mt. Sinai and Northport, NY.

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Ideas for Backyard Designs in Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, Become Limitless When You Consider These Gaming Options

As you think about how to optimize your outdoor living spaces, it’s good to look for some new ideas in backyard entertainment. Here are some backyard designs for Old Westbury and Port Washington, NY, homes centered around gaming options.

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Landscape Design, Outdoor Living, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Living, Masonry Katya Pankov

Why Your Choices for Masonry Materials Matter for the Design of a Pool Deck in Old Westbury and Oyster Bay, NY

Making sure that you’re using the right patio pavers and other masonry materials will be the key for enjoying your pool all summer long. Here’s why your choices for masonry materials matter for the design of a pool deck in Old Westbury and Oyster Bay, 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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Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Pool Katya Pankov

Backyard Transformations: What Should the Area Around Your Swimming Pool Look Like in Mt. Sinai, NY?

As you build out your backyard oasis in Mt. Sinai, NY, you’ll want to focus on integration between the different parts of your outdoor living space. Focusing on integrating your swimming pool will give you some fantastic opportunities to create a hub for summer fun and making memories with loved ones. Consider these designs and features as you think about the possibilities for your backyard transformation.

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The Archive