Apartment Winterizing

I live in Colorado, and I was given a 5 year old Juniper Bonsai (from Harry and Davids) for Christmas. I have been moving it inside and outside to avoid the temperatures below 20F, which I have read is about the survivable cut-off for Junipers. I know that this is bad for the tree, and as it already January, I want to help it complete the dormancy cycle.

The question is, should I keep it inside and give it light as I am unsure of the conditions in which it was originally grown, or should I attempt to keep it outside?

I am in an apartment, and I have a porch that faces West towards a natural wetlands. The night time temperature has been hovering around 20F for a while, the daytime staying the in the 40's. If I put the pot in a box and mulch it, is there a time when I should bring it in? Will mulching the pot protect it from the cold? We do not get enough snow in Denver to be able to pile it up, and the daytime temps are too warm to keep it frozen! I am totally clueless with this tree!

I am taking an intro class at a local nursery this weekend, so I will ask there as well, but any advice that you guys can offer will be greatly appreciated!

thanks ahead of time

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Greg, where at in Colorado are you, because I might be able to give you some information on storing your tree(s). Also, as to where a good bonsai club might be, or supplies, and the such.

I am in Denver, close to Aurora, but I get around quite a bit, so as long at it's in the metro area (including Boulder) I'm okay! thanks for your help!

Jess

What nursery are you taking the class at? I have been getting my stuff at Bonsai Nursery on South Federal. I would love to find a club or group to get together with or a class to take. I live near Boulder. Email me and perhaps we can share information.

Jess

I was planning on taking it at Tagawas, but didn't go because I wasn't feeling well. I went that afternoon though, and spoke to the teacher, and I was glad I hadn't taken it! She was nice, just not as knowledgeable as I was hoping! (free class, you get what you pay for!)

I am going to take a class at the denver Botanic Gardens. It is taught by a man with 20 years experience in Bonsai, and sounds good. The first class you take home a "finished" bonsai; the intermediate class you take home a grove style maple grouping; and a third class is on rock plantings. I am excited!! They are a little more expensive, but again, you get what you pay for. Let me know if you know of anything else in the area!

Greg