Snow beautiful snow

My juvenile native plants are enjoying the cozy snow cover we've received recently.  I added extra coverage when I shoveled a path to walk my dog on.  I also piled snow on top of my large potted perennials to ensure they get enough water during the next thaw.  One of the best garden investments I've made is a rain barrel two years ago.  The water collected in it during summer rains provided all the water needs for all of my potted plants.  At the end of the season there was enough water left over to fill a couple dozen milk jugs to water my houseplants through the winter.  This means no tap water, but even more significant to my plants, it means no chlorine.  Before my rain barrel I collected snow during the winter and melted it to water my houseplants.  This tip was handed down from my mother who also used water from our basement sump.  She swore by  this technique for her plants.  Orchids are especially thankful for this natural source of moisture.  We forget sometimes that chlorine is added to city water to kill harmful bacteria.  Chlorine is also toxic to plants.  Sure, by the end of the winter the water in the jugs is a little green, but that only adds more nutrients to the soil.