8b is warmer than here so some of these may need to be chilled during the winter. But for early
spring there are snow drops, crocuses (both
spring and fall varities), daffodils, tulips, iris, And then to pick it up again in the fall are mums, and some types of lilies, you might be able to use coleus for their colored leaves if you have a shady location. Or if you have a moist location the Tropicanna cannas with their striped leaves can bring color even before they bloom in the summer. And everygreen shrubs can add nice architectural shape plus give winter color. Holly berries make nice winter color and great holiday decorations but it is an agressive plant that needs constant attention to keep it from traveling throughout your property.
I'm letting winter jasmine grow in one of my beds but I'm not sure you would want to use it, it is another agressive plant. Witchhazel if it will grow in your
zone blooms in winter.