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.

3 Backyard Designs That Include Inviting Shade Structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY

As summer transitions into fall, you may be thinking about two things: how your summer backyard fun could have been better, and how you can extend your outdoor living into the cooler months. With a shade structure, you can. Here are three backyard designs that include inviting shade structures in Setauket, Long Island, NY.

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Pool Katya Pankov Pool Katya Pankov

Swimming Pool Designs That Would Take Your Outdoor Space to the Next Level in Port Jefferson and Southampton, NY

Spending your days and evenings in your backyard swimming pool with your friends and family will help create some of the best memories you can share together. Swimming pools are so much fun that even the most basic models will be a hit, yet they can be so much more too. Choosing the right design and adding personalized features will make your pool that much more ideal for your lifestyle. Here are some swimming pool designs that would take your outdoor living space to the next level in Port Jefferson and Southampton, NY.

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Masonry Katya Pankov Masonry Katya Pankov

Masonry Options: Ideas for a Beautiful Driveway in Deer Park and Manhasset, NY

In many ways, your driveway is likely a key feature of your landscape that often gets overlooked, even though the surface makes up a large percentage of your overall landscape. As you consider considerable updates to your driveway, keep in mind whether you want your driveway to shine brighter in your landscape. There are many ways to make it more beautiful, long-lasting, and functional. Here are some masonry options for a new driveway in Deer Park and Manhasset, NY.

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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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