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.

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?

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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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Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations, Outdoor Seating Katya Pankov

How to Make Your Swimming Pool Fun and Safe for Your Kids in Southampton and Babylon, NY, Areas

No matter what age your kids are, it’s always fun to gather in and around the pool, but there are also some important safety measures to put in place to make sure that everyone continues to have a good time. Here are some ideas on how to make your swimming pool fun and safe for your kids in the Southampton and Babylon, NY, areas.

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Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov Pool, Pool Installations Katya Pankov

7 Nature-Inspired Swimming Pool Design Ideas for in the Huntington, Long Island, NY, Area

Spending time in nature is good for the body, mind, and soul. There are many features you can add onto your existing pool, or incorporate into a new, customized design for a pool, to create a nature-inspired ambiance that will make you feel like you stepped out of your house and onto the calming shores of a lake. Here are seven nature-inspired swimming pool design ideas for the Huntington, Long Island, NY, area.

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