It sounds like you have a good plan going. When I mulch my asparagus with 10-12" of oak leaves, I will do the same with my garlic, though only 6-8". I don't grind the leaves up though, just use them whole so that they don't compact too much. I don't really know whether I need to mulch my garlic, but after our bad winter last year, I was glad I did. I won't even plant the garlic for another week or so, and the mulching won't happen until much later. I watch the 10 day forecast and when the lows will start getting into the lower 20's, I will mulch. Generally, all the garlic has already sprouted before mulching. I like to allow the sun to warm up the raised bed so that the garlic will sprout (and grow) faster.
How are you doing, Mary?
