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.

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.

Read More
Outdoor Living, Pergola Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Pergola Katya Pankov

3 Materials to Pair With a Wooden Pergola in Deer Park and Old Westbury, NY Area

Pergolas are a wonderful addition to an outdoor living space. They offer shade from the blazing sun as well as a touch of sophistication. Sometimes, though, they stick out and don’t seem to be quite as integrated into the space as they could be. To help a wooden pergola fit in visually, here are three materials to pair with it in the Deer Park and Old Westbury, NY, areas.

Read More
Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Outdoor Living, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

Turning an Outdoor Fireplace Into a Gathering Space With the Right Seating Options in Sag Harbor and Huntington, NY

An outdoor fireplace could be much more than a luxurious feature in a landscape in Sag Harbor or Huntington, NY. It would allow you more time to enjoy your outdoor space, and it would create additional opportunities for relaxing and entertaining—that is, if you have the right seating. Here are our tips for turning an outdoor fireplace into a gathering space with the right seating options.

Read More

A Quick Guide to Outdoor Lighting for the Outdoor Kitchen on Long Island, NY

An outdoor kitchen is often the hub of backyard entertainment and family time. In order for the kitchen to take you from alfresco breakfasts to late-night parties, this hard-working space needs the right lighting. Here’s a quick guide to outdoor lighting for the outdoor kitchen on Long Island, NY.

Read More
Masonry, Pergola Katya Pankov Masonry, Pergola Katya Pankov

How Masonry Can Be Used to Accentuate a Pergola on Long Island, NY

A pergola is one of those permanent outdoor structures that are beloved all over the world, with good reason. It can be made to match any decorating style and offer a cool, shady spot to relax even on the hottest days. To ensure your new pergola gets the kind of presence it deserves, consider adding masonry to your project. Here’s how masonry can be used to accentuate a pergola on Long Island, NY.

Read More

4 Style Options for the Modern Outdoor Kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, Areas

If one of the activities you’ve been doing more of include cooking outside, and your cooking experience hasn’t been ideal, it could be the ideal time to start planning an upgrade. To inspire you, here are four style options for the modern outdoor kitchen in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY, areas.

Read More
Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

5 Farmhouse-Inspired Landscape Design Ideas for Backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, Backyards

Sometimes the best place to start when thinking through a new landscape project is the theme. One classic theme that stands the test of time is a farmhouse atmosphere. These five farmhouse-inspired landscape design ideas for backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, will turn your backyard into a comfortable, traditional, and enjoyable space.

Read More

The Archive