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

3 Natural Stone Patio Ideas for Your Long Island, NY, Landscape

A natural stone patio can add lasting beauty and value to your home. The design process helps you clarify your vision and flesh out ideas to marry function and beauty. To help inspire you, here are three natural stone patio ideas for your Long Island, NY, landscape.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Including an Ornamental Fence in Your Backyard Designs in Oyster Bay, NY

A fence can enhance your home’s aesthetic as well as provide enhanced privacy and security. Today, homeowners have many choices when it comes to fences that are both functional and attractive. Here are some tips for including an ornamental fence in your backyard designs in Oyster Bay, NY.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Artistic Masonry Inlays to Add Detail to Your Long Island, NY, Driveway

Paver inlays are a great way to add character to a driveway and boost the curb appeal of your Long Island, NY, driveway. Whether you want to pick up colors already present in your home or landscape, match your driveway to a walkway or nearby patio, or express your artistic side, here are some ideas for artistic masonry inlays to add detail to your driveway.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

7 Ways You Can Use Your Outdoor Fireplace Year Round in Babylon, NY

An outdoor fireplace is often the centerpiece of summertime outdoor entertaining. Luckily, you don’t have to pack up the fun when summer ends and gaze longingly at your outdoor fireplace from indoors. Here are seven ways you can use your outdoor fireplace year round in Babylon, NY.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Including Game Courts in Your Backyard Designs in Manhasset, NY

Are you looking at different ways to entertain the kids or spend more quality time together as a family? Are you interested in honing your skills in the comfort of your own backyard? The answer could be to install a game court and transform your backyard into a fun zone everyone will love. Here are tips for including game courts in your backyard designs in Manhasset, NY.

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The Archive