Question
I live in Battle Creek, MI and not too long ago I planted a lovely rose bush. It has a wonderful aroma so I don't want it to die over the winter. Should I take something and cover the bush? I was thinking on using burlap but thought I should ask first. As of yet its still uncovered and we've already had a heavy frost, just last week, hopefully I'm not too late.

Answer
No, your timing is perfect. If you cover a rose bush before there has been a hard frost, the covering acts like a greenhouse and encourages the rose to leaf out. First take some soil from a different part of the garden and make a 12 inch mound all around the base of the rose. You shouldn't take it near the rose base or you take off some of the soil protecting the roots. Make a wire cage of chicken wire and then fill it up with fallen leaves or dry bits and pieces from tidying up the garden. Drive a couple of stakes through the sides to steady it. You mound up 12 inches because if you get a very nasty winter it won't die back to the roots and 12 inches of canes is enough to grow a bush again. Burlap is okay for evergreens but it really isn't enough protection for a rose.
Then in the spring don't remove it until after the last frost. Cut the bush back by a third to encourage new growth, sprinkle some rose fertilizer all around the base and you will have a perfect rose bush. This routine will work if the rose bush is a hardy one but if it is a tender hybrid tea, then alas nothing you do will save it over the winter.
Hope this helps.