[1] In 1863, following the death of his father, he took over the Exeter branch of the family nursery business, which became Robert Veitch & Sons.

Robert moved the nursery to New North Road in 1864, and opened another seed warehouse in the High Street.

He was joined in 1880 by his son, Peter, who had travelled extensively in his youth.

Robert landscaped many Exeter parks as well as the Higher Cemetery.

Following Robert’s death in 1885, his son Peter became head of the Exeter branch of the business.