After searching for a good soil conditioner without paying premium prices, I think (hope) this will work for me.  I picked it up at Lowe's tonight.  I'm going to try the 5-1-1 ratio (conditioner/perlite/peat moss).  Your thoughts are appreciated.

Yes, the name brand is Harvest.  $3.58 for 1.5cu ft.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_383576-79138-CLAY1.5H_4294728549__?productId=3762875&Ns=p_product_avg_rating

The lady working offered 3 slightly torn bags at $1.50 each.  Heck of a deal!

looks like simple wood bark mulch mixed with compost.
isnt it better to buy bulk at nurseries?

whats a good alternative to pine bark since i cant find it here, will cedar bark work, i heard it inhibits roots from growing?

i have been using another brand. i've noticed price increase and volume decrease. i don't need ton of them, so pre-bagged works for me.

My landscape store has something similar for $45 for 3 cu yds.  As long as I don't pay more than $3 a bag (2cu ft), then it's the same cost.  I prefer to get the bags so I can keep it more organized and cleaner.

That stuff looks good Frank.   I think its a regional item though.  My Lowes doesn't carry it.  :(

Home Depot has the same stuff. It's called Nature's Helper. It's in a white bag.