I've used leaf mulch since 2005. Yes some of the top flies away early on but once it has rained or snowed and they are frozen in place they don't move at all. And I do use maple leaves! I have 6 huge maples that give me all the leaves I need for free. I have heard they aren't good but I have NEVER, in 15 years of using them, had a problem with canker. The key is to wait to put them on until they are completely dormant, and it's COLD out, and then to get them off ASAP in the spring.
Unfortunately I don't have any pics of the beds mulched since I longer do that but here is what the potted roses end up looking like.
