Like I said in a different article, aquaponics systems can be made in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Here's a great example of an indoor mini aquaponics system that anybody could build.

Aquaponics is an organic hydroponic growing method. Fish water is run through rocks which turns the fish waste into plant food. Plants that are growing in the rocks then use up all the converted fish waste. Aquaponics is a perfect example of polyculture and sustainable farming. You can make aquaponic systems in all shapes and sizes, from industrial to windowsill! This video is a nice simple run down of what aquaponics is all about.

Cover you plants about 4-6 inches deep in straw, but also pine needles will do the same thing as both absorb moisture.put the straw in between the rows when there is low temperatures predicted, and after the plants have undergone 2-3 hardening off frosts.when doing this cover the plants completely but shake the straw as you apply it to prevent any heavy chunks that could smother them. do not remove the mulch until all danger of frosts has dissipated. As i said earlier 2-3 frosts on the plants will do them good as it will help them to harden off or gradually help them to survive cold weather. Also do not water your plants after the first frost until the following spring when all frosts have gone.
source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4894501_care-strawberry-plants-winter.html

Don't really know what survives in Denver, so I can't answer that. Most retailers will sell a mix, something like 80% Kentucky Blue Grass, 20% Tall Fescue. Blue grass is very hardy but tends to form clumps and kill off the other stuff.. so.. Ok, so the sod will come with about 1 inch dirt, it will need good dirt for the roots. Put about 4 inches of good dirt under the sod. If the ground you have now is pretty good quality, till it up, then you can get away with less compost you need to buy. By the way, you don't need the garden compost, just the lawn dirt.. it's almost the same thing, might be a bit cheaper. I suggest you isntall your irrigation system first, if you don't already have it. You really don't need anything to lay the sod except a knife.

Thyme Thyme prefers six to eight hours of sunlight per day, but will tolerate indirect light or light from an east or west-facing window. Thyme is easy to grow by rooting a stem from a healthy plant, by potting up an outdoor plant or a small nursery-grown plant. Grow thyme in a well-drained potting soil. Allow the potting soil to dry slightly between each watering as thyme is a Mediterranean herb that won't do well in soggy soil.

Chives Chives are easy to grow indoors and will thrive in a sunny window or on a semi-sunny counter top. Purchase chives at a garden center or pot up a clump of chives growing in your garden. Snip a few chives when you want to add flavor to baked potatoes, soups or sauces.

Rosemary Plant rosemary in a large pot so the herb will have room to grow, then place the plant in a bright, south-facing window. Place rosemary under a fluorescent light if light is low. Avoid hot windows, and don't place the plant near a heat source, as rosemary prefers cooler temperatures of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil on the dry side, and be careful not to over water.

Oregano Plant oregano from a cutting from a healthy existing plant, purchase a small plant, or plant oregano seeds. Choose Greek oregano, which grows well in containers and has an excellent flavor that makes it ideal for culinary use. Place oregano where the plant will be exposed to at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Sage Sage is a favorite in a kitchen garden due to its pungent aroma and its ability to wake up a variety of culinary dishes. A dry climate plant that will do well indoors in bright sunlight, sage should be allowed to dry out slightly between each watering. Although sage can be purchased in nurseries and garden centers, the easiest way to start a new plant is by planting a tip cutting from a plant in your herb garden. Plant the cutting in well-drained soil.

Parsley Once established, parsley requires very little maintenance. Although parsley will grow in low light, growth will be speedier in a bright window. Parsley can be planted by seed, but the seeds are slow to germinate and may require up to two weeks. Alternatively, start with a small bedding plant or pot up a small clump from your herb garden.

source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/223735-easiest-herbs-to-grow-indoors/