Which U.S. state has "Garden State" as its nickname?

The U.S. state nicknamed the “Garden State” is New Jersey.

The nickname is commonly credited to Abraham Browning of Camden, who reportedly described New Jersey as the “Garden State” during New Jersey Day at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. His image was of a fertile state producing abundant food, with neighboring Pennsylvania and New York benefiting from its harvests.

New Jersey’s agricultural reputation helped the name endure. Despite its small size and dense population, the state has long produced fruits, vegetables, nursery plants, and other farm goods. Its Jersey Fresh program continues to promote locally grown produce, including tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, and peppers.

The nickname’s official history is slightly unusual. Governor Robert Meyner questioned whether “Garden State” had truly been an established state designation and vetoed a 1954 bill adding it to license plates. The New Jersey Legislature overrode that veto, and the slogan appeared on plates soon afterward. It should not be confused with New Jersey’s motto, “Liberty and Prosperity.”