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.

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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Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov Outdoor Kitchen, Masonry Katya Pankov

7 Design Ideas to Spruce Up a Small Outdoor Kitchen on Long Island, NY

Enjoying special times with family and friends usually means sharing meals, and these days, that means eating outdoors. If you don’t have the space or the desire to have a full outdoor kitchen, you can still have a chic and functional space. Here are seven design ideas to spruce up a small outdoor kitchen on Long Island, NY.

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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Building a Modern Retreat With Masonry in Babylon, NY

A modern landscape design can lead to your own personal retreat that you can escape to anytime. The key themes for a modern design include simplicity, sustainability, and a clean, geometric look. Consider how the use of masonry can go a long way toward achieving all of these themes for a Babylon, NY, landscape that you will enjoy for years to come.

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

Functional Masonry for Outdoor Living Spaces That Are As Useful As They Are Beautiful in Port Washington, NY

If you’re looking for ideas on how to enhance your outdoor living spaces this summer, don’t overlook the beauty and practicality of masonry. Even one masonry feature can completely transform your space. Here are a few ideas for functional masonry for outdoor living spaces that are as useful as they are beautiful in Port Washington, NY.

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