Open Call: The Stacy Lloyd III Fellowship for Bibliographic Study

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation Stacy Lloyd III Fellowship supports one outstanding early-career scholar researching the history, art, and culture of plants, gardens, and landscapes. The fellowship provides USD 10,000 and a 2–5 week residency at a 700-acre estate in Virginia with access to a rare botanical library of over 19,000 objects. Applications close May 31, 2026, for 2027 residencies.

Overview of the Fellowship

The Stacy Lloyd III Fellowship is a prestigious residential research award offered by the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. It supports early-career scholars conducting advanced research on:

• The history and future of plants

• Garden and landscape culture

• Sustainable land management

• Botanical art

• The role of plants in human well-being

The programme is designed for scholars completing dissertations or major writing projects that require uninterrupted time and focused research access.

Residency Experience

Fellows spend 2 to 5 weeks at Oak Spring’s 700-acre estate in Upperville, Virginia.

During the residency, fellows will:

• Engage with foundation staff

• Explore the estate’s sustainable land management practices

• Work extensively with a rare book library of over 19,000 items

• Access significant collections of botanical art

• Participate in introductory tours alongside Interdisciplinary and Botanical Artist residents

2027 Residency Start Dates

Residency sessions are scheduled across:

• March 2027

• April 2027

• May 2027

• July 2027

• August 2027

• October 2027

Note: Some sessions are limited to a maximum stay of three weeks.

Fellowship Benefits

• Grant Amount: USD 10,000

• Use of Funds: Travel, research materials, supplies, and related expenses before, during, or after residency

• Travel: Arranged via Dulles International Airport with ground transportation to the estate

• Accommodation: Shared housing with private bedroom and bathroom; shared kitchen and living spaces

• Research Access: Full use of the foundation’s rare book library and landscape resources

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be early-career researchers

• Be completing a terminal degree OR

• Have completed a terminal degree within the past five years

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently on site

• Show exceptional promise and strong communication skills

• Clearly explain how Oak Spring’s library resources will advance their research

This fellowship is particularly suitable for scholars working on dissertations or major writing projects in plant history, garden studies, environmental humanities, landscape history, or botanical art research.

Required Application Materials

Applications close on May 31, 2026. A single portal is used for all 2027 residencies and fellowships.

Applicants must submit:

• Résumé or CV (maximum 2 pages)

• 200–300 word statement describing current research

• 200–300 word statement explaining alignment with Oak Spring’s mission

• Up to 10 pages of writing samples or relevant scholarly links

Applicants may opt to be considered for other residencies if not selected for this fellowship.

Selection Process

The fellowship selection includes:

1. Multi-round review

2. Evaluation by foundation staff and residency alumni

3. External juror assessment

4. Final decision by panels of established external reviewers

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with foundation mission

• Scholarly quality

• Research potential

• Strength of submitted writing

Individual feedback is not provided to unsuccessful applicants.

Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship provides:

• Dedicated time for deep scholarly work

• Access to rare botanical and landscape archives

• Immersion in a living landscape dedicated to sustainable land management

• An opportunity to contribute to public dialogue on plants, culture, and environmental futures

It supports research at the intersection of environmental humanities, art, cultural history, and sustainability.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate your research question and scholarly contribution

• Demonstrate how Oak Spring’s rare library resources are essential to your work

• Provide polished, high-quality writing samples

• Emphasize independence and ability to complete focused research

• Align your proposal with themes of plant culture, sustainability, and landscape history

Avoid vague statements about interest in plants without demonstrating a defined research framework.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the grant amount?
USD 10,000 per selected fellow.

2. How long is the residency?
Between 2 and 5 weeks, depending on session availability.

3. When is the application deadline?
May 31, 2026.

4. Who is eligible to apply?
Early-career researchers completing a terminal degree or within five years of completion.

5. Are travel and accommodation provided?
Yes. Travel is arranged via Dulles International Airport, and accommodation is provided on-site.

6. Can applicants be considered for other residencies?
Yes, applicants may opt to be considered for other 2027 residency programmes.

7. Is feedback provided if not selected?
No, due to the volume of applications, individual feedback is not provided.

Conclusion

The Stacy Lloyd III Fellowship at Oak Spring Garden Foundation offers early-career scholars a rare opportunity to conduct focused research on the history, art, and culture of plants and landscapes. With dedicated residency time, access to extensive rare collections, and a USD 10,000 grant, the programme supports high-impact scholarship that advances understanding of plants, sustainability, and cultural landscapes.