One of the easiest and fastest ways to create a water feature is to modify a pot. And don't restrict your imagination to off-the-shelf pots - you can use just about any vessel that can be made watertight

1. Convert a glazed urn into a water feature. You'll be rewarded with a focal point that shimmers with ever-changing waves of colour and reflections.

2. Place a large terracotta saucer on top of stacked terracotta pots, fix it off with construction adhesive, let it set, then add water. The birdlife will love it.

3. Look for font-like carvings in shops that stock Asian-style items. They make divine float bowls.

4. Water-seal a bowl and plant a miniature waterlily in it. It will make a gorgeous table display.

5. Many species of plants love having wet feet and will look lush in even the hottest weather. Here, the rush-like sweet flag (Acorus calamus 'Variegatus'), native water clover (Marsilea drummondii) and flowering sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are combined to great effect in an old water-filled boiler.