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.

Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

7 Plantings for Colorful Summertime Long Island Landscaping

Fill your Long Island, NY, yard with summer color that creates a sizzling display. A blend of plant types can be used for this purpose, including shrubs, perennials and trees. You can have a color show from the ground up with classic flower favorites such as roses, or count on other flowering shrubs to bring on summer color.

Read More
Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Family-Friendly Landscape Design: Gaming Spaces

Your Setauket, NY, backyard is likely to be high on the list of your family’s favorite places to spend quality time together. Double the fun by incorporating gaming spaces that will create unforgettable moments and outstanding entertainment value.

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

Permanent Seating Designs for an Inviting NY Backyard

Choosing to incorporate permanent seating throughout the backyard spaces of your Mt. Sinai, NY, property has many advantages, from convenience of setup for entertaining, to accommodating a large number of guests. Discuss options unique to your backyard with a landscaping professional for the most inviting and unified layout possible.

Read More
Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

The Ins and Outs of Fiberglass Pools and Spas in Southampton

When deciding what kind of swimming pool or spa to invest in for your home in Southampton, NY, the number of options can be overwhelming. A fiberglass pool holds the reputation of an easy-to-install, faster alternative to conventional concrete and gunite pool construction.

Read More
Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Functional Designs for Your Swimming Pool Surrounds

Designer swimming pool surrounds are an enticing addition to any Port Jefferson, NY, home and are sure to completely change the outlook of an outdoor space. Pool decking or poolside patios serve as fun and functional spaces for the whole family and provide the space needed to ensure seamless summer entertaining.

Read More
Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Outdoor Fireplace vs Fire Pit for Your NY Backyard

Adding the cozy warmth and nostalgic feel of a fire feature to your landscape is almost always a great idea. These enhance the ambience of nighttime engagements and offer a gathering place for guests and family to socialize. However, deciding whether your purposes and preferences indicate a leaning toward a fire pit or outdoor fireplace in Setauket, NY, requires some consideration.

Read More

The Archive