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.

Now is the Time to Plan a New Dix Hills or Port Washington, NY Swimming Pool for Next Summer Fun

For those lucky enough to reside in the scenic settings of Dix Hills or Port Washington, NY, the allure of the seasons is ever apparent. With the summer sun casting golden hues, it paints the picture-perfect moment to consider a new swimming pool addition to your residence. The pursuit of outdoor luxury beckons, and here's why planning now promises unparalleled delights for the forthcoming warm days.

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

6 Masonry Features That Make a Huge Impact to a Landscape Design in the Dix Hills and Syosset, NY, Areas

Focal points are key if you want to create impact with your landscape design. While they may come in various forms, one thing many of these features have in common is expert masonry. We’ll take a look at six masonry features that can make a huge impact on your landscape design in the Dix Hills and Syosset, NY, areas.

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

3 Tips for a Landscape Design with a Seamless Transition from the Front Yard to Backyard in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY Areas

There are so many aspects to great landscape design, but in this post, we’re going to tackle a topic that sometimes gets overlooked. If you’re contemplating changes to your entire landscape in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY, areas, you may want to spend some time considering how the transition between your front yard and backyard can appear seamless.

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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

Here Are 5 Reasons You Should Hire a Unilock Contractor for Your Dix Hills, NY, Area Landscape Projects

Improving a landscape in Dix Hills, NY, often involves the addition of expert masonry, and there are few better masonry materials than what Unilock has to offer. Although any company can install Unilock products, not every landscaper can become an Unilock Authorized Contractor—and this matters. Here are five reasons to look for this type of landscape contractor for your next project.

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