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.

Landscape Design Katya Pankov Landscape Design Katya Pankov

5 Contemporary Patio Designs That Can Make Your Patio Stand Out in the Northport and Setauket, NY Areas

When it’s time for a new patio, you may be feeling overwhelmed with choices. Browsing the internet and gathering ideas is a great start, but pictures don’t always tell the whole story. You also want to marry function with beauty. To help you do that, here are five contemporary patio designs that can make your patio stand out in the Northport and Setauket, NY areas.

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

Backyard Transformations: What Should the Area Around Your Swimming Pool Look Like in Mt. Sinai, NY?

As you build out your backyard oasis in Mt. Sinai, NY, you’ll want to focus on integration between the different parts of your outdoor living space. Focusing on integrating your swimming pool will give you some fantastic opportunities to create a hub for summer fun and making memories with loved ones. Consider these designs and features as you think about the possibilities for your backyard transformation.

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

6 Custom Landscaping Features That Will Personalize Your Backyard Oasis in Huntington and Southampton, NY Areas

The crown jewel of the American home can be the landscape—and the more you personalize yours, the more you’ll get out of it. First, you’ll need to consider how you like to experience your backyard, whether it’s mostly for entertainment, relaxation, exercise, or a combination. From there, you can choose the landscape features most important to you and your loved ones. Here are six custom landscaping features that will personalize your backyard oasis in Huntington and Southampton, NY areas.

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Landscape Design, Masonry, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Masonry, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

How to Choose the Right Masonry for Your Next Outdoor Living Project in Stony Brook and Northport, NY Areas

Enhancing your outdoor living space in Stony Brook and Northport, NY, can transform your experiences with friends and family. What makes many landscapes incredible—and personalized—is expert masonry. Masonry gives your outdoor living space a timeless quality. After all, the stone is the original building material, and the look of stone stands the test of time. Whether your next outdoor living project involves a new patio, walkway, pool deck, driveway, or another landscape feature, you will have some decisions ahead involving masonry.

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Pool, Outdoor Living, Landscape Design Katya Pankov Pool, Outdoor Living, Landscape Design Katya Pankov

7 Special Water Features to Add to a Swimming Pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY Areas

As your new swimming pool in Setauket and Manhasset, NY, goes through the design process, you can also customize it with unique features. Whether you want to mostly relax, exercise, or entertain friends and family at your pool, there is a special water feature that can make your dreams come true. If you need a little inspiration, here are seven special water features that could be added to a swimming pool.

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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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