@Linda Richelson These globes were recycled from over our kitchen table. They were hanging globes. The hole was cut to fit between the light socket and the little flange that screws up against the socket. The top holes are not necessary for the outdoor lights. In the garden, the top holes just let more radiate through, and they weren't that noticeable. However, if you were just making them for garden posts, you would not need those top holes. Thanks for asking.