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 Stone Masonry Wall Ideas for Babylon, NY, Landscapes

Masonry walls are beautiful, timeless, durable, practical, and like the little black dress, they go with every style. Whether you prefer the look of mortared or dry-stack (mortarless) walls, here are seven masonry wall ideas for Babylon, NY, landscapes.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Options for Covering an Outdoor Fireplace in Huntington, NY

Since an outdoor fireplace is one of the features you will probably use the most in your backyard, it makes sense to have it look exactly how you want it, with no compromise in style or finishes. If you’re not sure what style would work best for you, here are some options for an outdoor fireplace in Huntington, NY.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Landscape Architecture Ideas for Entirely Remodeling Your Oyster Bay, NY, Backyard

Today, nearly any activity you enjoy indoors can be brought outside. Whether you love to cook, swim, garden, relax, or entertain outdoors, a backyard makeover will let you make the most of your entire Oyster Bay, NY, property. After all, you’re investing in your outdoor space, so why not make it perfect for you? To inspire you, here are some landscape architecture ideas for entirely remodeling your backyard.

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Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry Katya Pankov

How Masonry Enhances Fireside Living Spaces on Long Island, NY

Cold nights in Long Island, NY, may have you fantasizing about the upcoming summer entertaining season. With months to go, this is the opportune time to think through ways you want to improve your outdoor living space for the most enjoyable of evenings. Consider that fire features can contribute not only to warmth but ambience—and can also extend your entertaining season well into the deep fall.

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Katya Pankov Katya Pankov

Beachy Backyard Designs to Think About for the Summer in Setauket, NY

There’s something magical about a day at the beach. But since work and busy schedules don’t always allow for a getaway or even a drive to the beach, you can look into creating a backyard that has almost all of the same amenities. Imagine being able to relax right in your own backyard beach paradise anytime! How do you re-create a beach? Here are backyard designs to think about for the summer in Setauket, NY.

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The Archive