We think you'll enjoy these websites on design and color for beautiful gardens.

Look-up (by zip/postal code) your US or Canadian hardiness zone - This Proven Winners site is also an informative site for colorful annuals, perennials and shrubs. 

Introduction to Perennial Garden Design, University of Illinois Extension - An EXCELLENT website for creating a colorful PERENNIAL garden.  (Many of the books/tools offered at GardenColorDesign.com also incorporate shrubs, vines, bulbs, small trees and/or annuals.)

Specialty Growers - Great nursery featuring locally grown (and, therefore extremely hardy) plants.  Located in Howell, Michigan and owned by Karen Bovio.

Better Homes & Gardens "Using Color in Your Garden" -  Interesting lists of Best Blue Flowers for Your Garden , Best Green-Leaf Plants for Your Garden , etc.

Garden Color Design - How to Use Contrasts and Harmonies Effectively