What it is
Garden leave keeps you on payroll, with benefits, while you stay home and out of systems, clients, and the office. The clause usually bars contact with coworkers and clients, and it preserves the non-solicit clock while you are paid.
What to do about it: Get the start date, the end date, and the contact rules in writing. System access removal on the first leave day is the fact most disputes turn on.
Plain-language description of US practice, not legal, tax, or financial advice. The paired guide carries the citations, dates, and thresholds; the state pages carry the local windows.