Working for new employer on Garden leave?

Hello everyone,

I was excited about going on a garden/gardening leave. I’m on a 3 months notice period. I thought I would take a week off and start my new job. I can’t take longer off as I have a loan from my current employer. My worry is if they adjust the loan and settle my final payment, it will massively disrupt my finances. Is there a way to start working on my new job sooner, may be by requesting the current employer or some other way?

Thanks in advance!