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.

Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov Creative Lighting Design Katya Pankov

Bring Attention to Your Best Landscaping Features All Evening With Outdoor Lighting in the Port Washington, NY, Area

Good times are not just possible during the daytime. When it comes to landscapes, this is why strategic outdoor lighting in the Port Washington, NY Area is necessary, to extend the gathering and enjoyment in the great outdoors long past dark. These ideas that bring attention to your landscape features can delight and amaze you.

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Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Living Katya Pankov

8 Landscaping Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Fireplace for as Many Months as Possible on Long Island, NY

To maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space for as many months as possible on Long Island, NY, you may want to explore the addition of an outdoor fireplace. Here are eight tips to help you enjoy your fireplace after the sun goes down and across more than one or two seasons.

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