Royal Garden of Filhony

In the center of the earth below the SkyLand of Zara is a circular garden filled with a variety of different fungi. It is known locally as the Essence of Zara as it is a symbol of the beloved nature of the land around the city which is not reflected anywhere else in the hustle and bustle of everyday life there.

The garden is circular in shape and has a diameter of 1,000 feet (300 meters). It is surrounded by 10 foot (3 meter) high walls made of oversized bricks. It has one large official entrance which is flanked by guards in ceremonial attire. It is here where guests pay entry fees to tour the gardens. A maximum of 60 people are allowed in the garden at one time. There are benches placed along the wall near the entrance for people to rest while they wait their turn to take a tour. There are also two locked gardeners' doors spaced symmetrically around the wall from the main entrance.

The garden is open for tours day and night. In the daytime the light coming in over the walls is dim, but you can see the paths as you go. The initial path is 10 feet (3 meters) wide and divided down the center with a rope that is attached to posts. "Stay on the path and keep to the right," the attendant says as you enter. Soon, the path splits in two and widens slightly to about 7 feet (2 meters). The rope continues at the side with the posts placed about a foot away from the left edge of the path. This single path winds through the entire garden before returning to the entrance. There are rest areas with benches at numerous places throughout the park where visitors can stop to rest and admire the scenery. Speaking quietly is permitted.

The gardens are unlit at night. For a Nairian, this lack of light is not an issue as they use their antennae to keep them on the path. For other peoples, the ropes are used as guides. There is a different beauty to the fungi in the dark as many of them glow softly in the darkness in a variety of colors.