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.

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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Pool, Outdoor Living, Landscape Design Katya Pankov Pool, Outdoor Living, Landscape Design Katya Pankov

7 Special Water Features to Add to a Swimming Pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY Areas

As your new swimming pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY, goes through the design process, you can also customize it with unique features. Whether you want to mostly relax, exercise, or entertain friends and family at your pool, there is a special water feature that can make your dreams come true. If you need a little inspiration, here are seven special water features that could be added to a swimming pool.

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

Landscaping Tips for Achieving a Cohesive Design for the Areas Around Your Babylon, NY Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is just the start of unlocking the full potential of your backyard. As you begin to add different features and change the look of your landscape, make sure to consider how to connect your home and your pool. Here are some landscaping tips for achieving a cohesive design for the areas around your Babylon, NY swimming pool.

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Pool Katya Pankov Pool Katya Pankov

4 Fun Design Concepts for Fiberglass Pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY Areas

As you begin the process of designing your perfect fiberglass pool, you probably already have a few concepts in mind. Fiberglass pools are often preferred for their design flexibility, making it so landscaping professionals can turn pool dreams into reality. Here are four fun design concepts for fiberglass pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY areas.

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

5 Tips for Highly Customized Fiberglass Pools in Port Jefferson and Mt. Sinai, NY, Areas

Whether your backyard is expansive or on the smaller side, a customized fiberglass pool can become the centerpiece of summer fun in the Port Jefferson and Mt. Sinai, NY, areas. Useful features can be built right into the structure of the pool, or the landscape can be altered to help unify the entire backyard. Working with a landscape design company to customize your pool is a surefire way toward making progress on your dream backyard/destination spot.

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Landscape Design, Pool, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Pool, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Landscape Design Tips for a Backyard That Can Be Used Year-Round in Oyster Bay and Southampton, NY, Areas 

If you’ve been wondering how much use you’ll get from a backyard that mostly centers around a pool, there are some creative workarounds that can make all the difference. Here are landscape design tips for a backyard that can be used year-round in the Oyster Bay and Southampton, NY, areas.

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