In article , Steve
writes
Last year I had the first appearance of a large climbing weed in a corner of
the garden. This year it is taken over a large area along one wall and is
completely covering some ivy which will no doubt be killed off if I dont get
rid of the weed.

It grows at a prolific rate and has large leaves and tendrils which wrap
around anything nearby. It also mildly irritates the skin if you handle
them. As far as I recall from last year it dies away later in the year and
bears berries.

What is it likely to be (I can post a link to a photo if you like),

Yes please. Lots of things have large leaves and tendrils!

and more
importantly what is the best way to get rid of this nuisance? Previous posts
about climbers seem to just say keep pulling them up.

However, aren't there weedkillers which are absorbed through leaves? I know
I can't spray them as some overspray will get onto the ivy and other nearby
plants, but would it be effective to "paint" it onto several leaves of the
weed?

Yes. Look for something containing glyphosate

If it was possible to get the weedkiller onto only the folliage of the weed
and the weed eventually died, would it effect plants nearby perhaps by the
chemical in the weed's roots eventually getting into the soil and being
absorbed by other plants through their roots?

No - it becomes inactive in the soil. It only affects the plant you put
it on.


--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm