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.

Masonry, Landscape Design Katya Pankov Masonry, Landscape Design Katya Pankov

6 Masonry Features That Make a Huge Impact to a Landscape Design in the Dix Hills and Syosset, NY, Areas

Focal points are key if you want to create impact with your landscape design. While they may come in various forms, one thing many of these features have in common is expert masonry. We’ll take a look at six masonry features that can make a huge impact on your landscape design in the Dix Hills and Syosset, NY, areas.

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Game Courts, Pool Katya Pankov Game Courts, Pool Katya Pankov

Install a Game Court Alongside a Swimming Pool for the Ultimate Entertaining Space in the Southampton and Stony Brook, NY, Areas

If you were able to combine your favorite activities—swimming and playing sports—you would truly be able to maximize your spare time in the Southampton and Stony Brook, NY, areas. In this post, we’ll explore several upsides of installing a game court alongside your swimming pool.

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Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas Katya Pankov

3 Tips for a Landscape Design with a Seamless Transition from the Front Yard to Backyard in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY Areas

There are so many aspects to great landscape design, but in this post, we’re going to tackle a topic that sometimes gets overlooked. If you’re contemplating changes to your entire landscape in the Deer Park and Port Washington, NY, areas, you may want to spend some time considering how the transition between your front yard and backyard can appear seamless.

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