When I read the first post I think you're asking about how to quilt this quilt with the applique leaves. Is that correct?
I do a lot of needle turn applique and I've hand quilted one, machine quilted the others. In either case, I don't want the quilting to go through the applique. I quilt around each applique piece so it will 'pop' out and show up well. So, yes, I stitch as close to the applique piece as I can. That's often about 1/8" away.
If that's not what you were asking, I'm sorry I wasn't much help.