On 2013-10-15 18:02:48 +0000, Another John said:

A neighbour has asked me to tidy up her garden, which hasn't been looked
at for about a year.

There are lots of weeds (e.g. couch grass) growing up between the
flagstones in the paved areas.

I was going to use Glyphosate, but when I checked on what tools are
available there, I found a weed blowtorch: how effective are these
things, please?

Cheers
John

p.s. Yes, it's the wrong time of year to be dealing with weeds, but
needs must!

Some of the help you'll get will depend on where you are. Here in
south Devon, they're still growing all too well because it's warm and
damp. Groundsel is very happily sprouting at present. But weed wands
don't do the job in the long term unless you can use them constantly
and without harm to other plants. Dab on glyphosate gel works well in
borders but in flagstones and their gaps, the best thing really is hand
weeding. It shouldn't take too long, unless she has a truly enormous
paved area and it will be far more effective. If any have been left to
seed around, then you - or someone - will have to repeat the
performance next spring and as quickly as possible.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon