There are many ways that you can create a simple water garden. A large plant pot, bucket, or any watertight container can become a mini oasis, which could attract damsel and dragonflies, frogs, birds, bats, and other wildlife.
Avoid porous containers and also plastic if you intend to have fish, as chemicals can leach out into the water. Choose a spot in partial shade, and include some rocks or gravel at the bottom so creatures can climb in and out or perch. Put one or two plants, such as miniature waterlilies or rushes, in aquatic baskets into the container and fill it with rainwater. Adding a small pump or bubbler reduces algae and mosquitoes while infusing the water with oxygen.