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.

Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Plan a Long Island or Stony Brook, NY Swimming Pool for Installation That’s Ready for Next Summer

This is the ideal time of year to work with a professional on your Long Island or Stony Brook, NY dream swimming pool so it is ready for summertime outdoor fun. Landscape companies that design and install inground pools are often less busy in the chilly months, meaning you can take advantage of their slower pace to plan your new outdoor living area. See how early planning can deliver big results when the warm weather returns.

Read More
Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

8 Landscaping Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Fireplace for as Many Months as Possible on Long Island, NY

To maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space for as many months as possible on Long Island, NY, you may want to explore the addition of an outdoor fireplace. Here are eight tips to help you enjoy your fireplace after the sun goes down and across more than one or two seasons.

Read More
Landscape Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

How the Shape of a Swimming Pool Can Influence Your Landscape Style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY

The shape of your pool will not only dictate the visuals and use of the pool itself, but it will also influence the design of the rest of your landscape. As you plan out your perfect swimming pool this spring, be sure to read further on how the shape of a swimming pool can influence your landscape style in Deer Park and Sag Harbor, NY.

Read More

Is a Gunite Swimming Pool the Right Fit for Your Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson, NY, Area Backyard Style?

A backyard pool can transform your summer life. With the various pool construction materials to choose from, it can require some up-front planning to decide what’s right for your landscape and outdoor lifestyle. Fiberglass and vinyl pools have their advantages, but few pool options have the creative versatility of gunite. As you plan out your perfect pool in anticipation of the warmer seasons, let’s answer the question: Is a gunite swimming pool the right fit for your Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson, NY, area backyard style?

Read More

The Archive