Question
In a previous answer, I saw that you recommended hay as a winter base cover for the roses.  I live in Western Massachusetts, I believe to be Zone 5.  Will wood chips or pine needles (or a combination of each) suffice?

Thanking you in advance for your advice
Barbara

Answer
I'm afraid it was not me that suggested straw as I am not a fan of straw because it tends to me messy and blows around. Plus you can also track it into your house. Your idea of wood ships is ideal and will protect your roses very well. Simply mound the chips up to about 8 or 10 inches around the base of the rose bush. Pine needles are also an ideal mulch. The only problem I can see with them is if you get very strong winds, then they can be blown around a little more than the wood chips. If you have pine needles then mixing them in with the chips should anchor them okay. Both will break down and add nutrients to the soil.