If you don’t have the space or the time to devote to a pond, consider a small water fountain or container garden, they’re easier to maintain and just as lovely. Here is a selection of free tutorials that I’ve handpicked from around the ‘net, most are very simple to put together and some even include plant ideas and recipes to try. A few of these projects have been previously featured on Tipnut and moved here for one handy project sheet, enjoy!
With Stacked Rocks: Fountain-ize most any leftover garden ornament or drill holes in a stack of rocks you found on-site, turning it into an enduring monument to tranquility.
Bubbling Urn: Materials needed include a water feature urn, large terracotta pan, pond pump, plastic-coated grille, pond liner, cobbles, hose and bricks.
Pyramidal Pots: Super easy to make! Stacked pots filled with a pump and filled to the brim produce sounds reminiscent of lapping waves.
Soothing: Made with two glazed pots (a shallow bowl nests snugly inside the larger pot), a bucket, and a small recirculating pump.
Homemade Patio Fountain: Made with river rocks, a large garden pot, hardware cloth and a fountain kit.
How To Make A Stock Tank Pond: Step-by-step instructions from digging out the location and filling it with plants and water.
Also see this Container Water Garden Recipe from hgtv.com and tips to Grow A Pond In A Pot.
A small satelite dish makes a good stand for a bird feeder. Or you could put a flower pot drip dish on it for a bird bath.