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.

How to Incorporate Outdoor Lighting Into 7 Patio Designs in Oyster Bay, NY Area

Today’s landscape lighting can completely transform the way you use your outdoor space. Whether you want to make a bold design statement or keep your light fixtures in a supporting role providing safety and ambience, you can choose from an incredible number of styles and techniques. Here’s how to incorporate outdoor lighting into seven patio designs in Oyster Bay, NY.

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Pool, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pool, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Landscaping Tips for Achieving a Cohesive Design for the Areas Around Your Babylon, NY Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is just the start of unlocking the full potential of your backyard. As you begin to add different features and change the look of your landscape, make sure to consider how to connect your home and your pool. Here are some landscaping tips for achieving a cohesive design for the areas around your Babylon, NY swimming pool.

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Outdoor Spaces, Masonry Katya Pankov Outdoor Spaces, Masonry Katya Pankov

7 Ideas That Incorporate Masonry Into a Landscape Design in Huntington, Long Island NY Area

During your landscape renovation, you will want to think about what will last long into the future. Masonry is built with time in mind, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your landscape. Consider how you like to spend your days in your outdoor living space, whether it is a fun activity, exercise, or relaxation. Here are seven ideas that incorporate masonry into a landscape design in Huntington, Long Island, NY.

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Pool Katya Pankov Pool Katya Pankov

4 Fun Design Concepts for Fiberglass Pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY Areas

As you begin the process of designing your perfect fiberglass pool, you probably already have a few concepts in mind. Fiberglass pools are often preferred for their design flexibility, making it so landscaping professionals can turn pool dreams into reality. Here are four fun design concepts for fiberglass pools in Babylon and Sag Harbor, NY areas.

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Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

5 Masonry Ideas to Improve the Look of a Front Entrance in Southampton and Port Jefferson, NY Areas

The front entrance to your home is the most visible portion of your home from the street, so it creates a powerful first impression for guests and passersby if you have a beautiful landscape design. You may view masonry features as the best way to boost those first impressions—here are five ideas to do just that in Southampton and Port Jefferson, NY.

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These 6 Outdoor Lighting Tips Will Bring Your Landscape Design to Life in Southampton, Long Island, NY

The appreciation of the beauty of your landscape doesn’t have to stop when night falls. In fact, the nighttime is probably the best time to show off your landscape with a creative lighting design. A combination of various lighting techniques will turn any backyard into a dreamy paradise at night. These six outdoor lighting tips will bring your landscape design to life.

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