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

Rediscover the Serenity of a Swimming Pool With These Masonry Design Ideas in Port Washington, NY

As with many other landscape applications, expert masonry is often considered a must for the features around a swimming pool. Whether your pool area needs an update or you’re planning your brand-new dream pool that will add a sense of serenity to your landscape, here are some masonry ideas to consider in Port Washington, NY.

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Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Outdoor Fireplace Katya Pankov

5 Different Ways an Outdoor Fireplace Will Enhance Your Outdoor Living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY

In creating the perfect backyard, there are many ways to make friends and family more comfortable and create a much more practical outdoor living space that you can use year-round. Here are five different ways an outdoor fireplace will enhance your outdoor living in Huntington and Sag Harbor, NY.

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Pergola, Pergola Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Pergola, Pergola Design, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

Make It Yours: 3 Ideas for Including a Pergola in Patio Designs on Long Island, NY

Creating great memories with family and friends often starts on the patio. If this past summer ended up being too hot for comfort sometimes, now could be the ideal time to plan for next summer by installing a pergola. Whether you’re adding a pergola to an existing patio or starting from scratch, here’s how to make it yours, with three ideas for including a pergola in patio designs on Long Island, NY.

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What Type of Outdoor Kitchen Design Would Work Best for a Huntington and Northport, NY, Backyard?

Getting the most out of your outdoor living space means transferring some of your most cherished tasks to the outdoors. An outdoor kitchen enables you or another talented cook in your household to create memorable meals right from your backyard. The promise of one of these delicious meals will be sure to draw friends and family and offers up a chance to make some great memories. Here’s how to decide what type of outdoor kitchen design would work best for a Huntington and Northport, NY backyard.

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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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The Archive