I'm in NH. My fall planted garlic is up about 6 inches in very sunny area. Perhaps your ground hasn't warmed up enough yet. I've never had a problem with any critters digging up garlic but I suppose it could have happened to you.

I used a leaf mulch on my garlic this year, too, and it may have emerged just a little later than usual. But it did, and the leaves have done a great job suppressing weeds. Be patient. I was about to give up on mine, but they finally showed up and now they are looking great, if slightly burned from a 22 degree night last week.

Thank you both for the feedback. It's keeping me hopeful!