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.

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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Feature the Chef: 5 Ideas for Putting the Focus on Your Outdoor Kitchen in Southampton and Babylon, NY

Dining outside with friends and family is one of life’s great pleasures, especially outdoors in Southampton and Babylon, NY. Outdoor kitchens provide chefs, both amateur and professional, with the opportunity of showcasing their talents as well as the beauty of the backyard. Building the perfect outdoor kitchen can be a great passion project, so it’s important to start with some solid ideas.

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What Type of Outdoor Kitchen Design Would Work Best for a Huntington and Northport, NY, Backyard?

Getting the most out of your outdoor living space means transferring some of your most cherished tasks to the outdoors. An outdoor kitchen enables you or another talented cook in your household to create memorable meals right from your backyard. The promise of one of these delicious meals will be sure to draw friends and family and offers up a chance to make some great memories. Here’s how to decide what type of outdoor kitchen design would work best for a Huntington and Northport, NY backyard.

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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 Spaces, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

6 Custom Landscaping Features That Will Personalize Your Backyard Oasis in Huntington and Southampton, NY Areas

The crown jewel of the American home can be the landscape—and the more you personalize yours, the more you’ll get out of it. First, you’ll need to consider how you like to experience your backyard, whether it’s mostly for entertainment, relaxation, exercise, or a combination. From there, you can choose the landscape features most important to you and your loved ones. Here are six custom landscaping features that will personalize your backyard oasis in Huntington and Southampton, NY areas.

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How to Incorporate Outdoor Lighting Into 7 Patio Designs in Oyster Bay, NY Area

Today’s landscape lighting can completely transform the way you use your outdoor space. Whether you want to make a bold design statement or keep your light fixtures in a supporting role providing safety and ambience, you can choose from an incredible number of styles and techniques. Here’s how to incorporate outdoor lighting into seven patio designs in Oyster Bay, NY.

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Outdoor Spaces, Masonry Katya Pankov Outdoor Spaces, Masonry Katya Pankov

7 Ideas That Incorporate Masonry Into a Landscape Design in Huntington, Long Island NY Area

During your landscape renovation, you will want to think about what will last long into the future. Masonry is built with time in mind, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your landscape. Consider how you like to spend your days in your outdoor living space, whether it is a fun activity, exercise, or relaxation. Here are seven ideas that incorporate masonry into a landscape design in Huntington, Long Island, NY.

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