Just like a bed of roses : Democs and discussion based learning in the classroom / New Economics Foundation.

"'A bed of roses' generally means 'a pleasant or easy situation'. If you've been aware of a bed of roses in a park or garden, you may not have appreciated the groundwork required to create that well structured environment - turning the soil, applying nutrients, tending and supporting the young roses in their growth. Care is also needed - those roses have thorns, with the potential to inflict damage. So an alternative interpretation of 'a bed of roses' is that it represents beauty, growth, togetherness, careful preparation and management."--Provided by publisher.