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.

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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Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

5 Farmhouse-Inspired Landscape Design Ideas for Backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, Backyards

Sometimes the best place to start when thinking through a new landscape project is the theme. One classic theme that stands the test of time is a farmhouse atmosphere. These five farmhouse-inspired landscape design ideas for backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, will turn your backyard into a comfortable, traditional, and enjoyable space.

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Pool, Landscape Design Katya Pankov Pool, Landscape Design Katya Pankov

Landscape Design Tips for Keeping the Kids Safe and Entertained During Quarantine in Stony Brook, NY

Happy kids mean happy parents. But keeping kids happy in these challenging times is no small feat. While “go outside and play” has become a standby for parents, it’s also important to provide children with a safe place to play, and offer enough opportunities for creative play that will keep the kids from coming back inside with pleas that there’s nothing to do. Here are our landscape design tips for keeping the kids safe and entertained during quarantine in Stony Brook, NY.

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Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov

How Masonry Enhances Fireside Living Spaces on Long Island, NY

Cold nights in Long Island, NY, may have you fantasizing about the upcoming summer entertaining season. With months to go, this is the opportune time to think through ways you want to improve your outdoor living space for the most enjoyable of evenings. Consider that fire features can contribute not only to warmth but ambience—and can also extend your entertaining season well into the deep fall.

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