I've no practical advice except to say what a lovely thing to do for them.
Good luck with it all, I don't envy you the job of clearing out that grass.

Think it is just a case of getting in and amongst it and using a fork to dig around the roses and pulling out the grass bit by bit. I have areas (couch grass) which are a constant pain, as it keeps coming back but looking at it it seems to be just normal grass but with lots of seed heads. I think it will be a case of weed weed weed and weed again because the seed will be dropping as you pull it out and setting off to grow again once we get some rain. I would tackle a little bit at a time and do not wear yourself out. It will take time but will be well worth it and you will feel you have really achieved at the end of the job. Little and often is the way to go. Good luck and you must be a very kind neighbour to help out in times of need. Good on yer!!

This is such a kind thing for you to do. My 84 year old neighbour loved her garden, but ill health has prevented her from doing it. Earlier this week and old friend of hers came and cleared it up. Now she has got up from her bed where she has stayed for two months and even came in to see me to tell her about her friends' kindness. I am sure your efforts, no matter how much you do, will mean such a lot to your neighbour.

Don't try to do too much at once. With the exception of couch grass most grasses are easy to dig out with a fork, as their roots are shallow. Dealing with couch grass dandelions, bindweed, ivy etc is best done by treating the leaves with glyphosate solution. With brambles you can either spray the leaves with glyphosate or dig around them until below their crown point and then sever the roots from there with secateurs.

If you spray, make sure you cover roses or any valuable plants in the area first.

That is a heck of a task you are taking on,Waddy,but I'm sure they will be eternally grateful for your kind offer.I agree with Oliveoil,no easy way really,except do one bit at a time thoroughly,in easy stages..As it looks like a hands and knees job,please be careful of your back..and give up when you say you will,and don't carry on doing that little bit more..we are all guilty of that,aren't we? You will be so chuffed when you see the difference you have made,and for their peace of mind ..:o) x

As everyone has said, easy does it. Make a slot to do what you can and then finish for the day. I assume you have your own house and garden to look after so don't get bogged down by your willing commitment to help your neighbours. As Nosey says,most grass comes out easily, although perennial 'weeds' such as dandelions take a lot more work but you will be able to make a significant difference in half an hour or an hour.

I know from my own experience that happily supporting a poorly elderly neighbour became so time consuming as her health deteriorated, that I found myself becoming committed to helping her with all aspects of her life.
You are giving them a lovely gift and you will never regret it. They must feel blessed to have such a kind neighbour.
Please let us know how you get on.

be care full of the rose spines of course . cant you get a membrane and some gravel or mulch round it once you've done the hardest bit ? good on you anyway great respect . nosey didn't say it merlin lol but I would of done lol .

if there is only grass in the bed and no other plants other than roses I'd use roundup or similar. it will kill the weeds and then the ground will be clear.
if there are other plants that they want saving dig those up into temporary 'holding' pots, weed kill and then sort the bare soil and replant. That worked for me with a border with ground elder in it.

What wonderful people you all are. Advice all noted everyone, and I'll post pics to let you see how I've got on. :)

your the wonderful person but your welcome .

I think I would be tempted to cut the grass down with shears as much as you can and wait for regrowth that will be a lot more likely to take up glyphosate. Forking too near roses is not usually advised because of damaging the roots, and the ground may well be too compacted for yu to be able to pull it out properly. Very best of luck with this - your neighbous are lucky to live near a fairly godmother!

It looks like a pretty big task, Waddy, well done for being a good neighbour. The weeds in the pictures seem to be mostly grass. Is there a selective weedkiller that will kill grass but not broadleaves?