I have a Silver Leghorn in my mixed flock. She is no more or less destructive than any other member of my flock. How many chickens are you considering and how much space will they have?
Thats what most birds are known for. They aren't gentle when it comes to plants
Are you sticking to standards or are bantams an option? Are you allowed to have a male?
Those might be a good choice if you have them available to you. Leghorns and RIRs aren't known for being friendly, but they aren't necessarily mean (the hens - roosters are another story). I quite like my RIR hen. But my BR is miss big personality and does everything my RIR does in terms of production and hardiness, so maybe the BR is a better option for you.
I think friendliness comes from a combination of genetics, individual personalities and how they are raised. In general, my friendliest chickens are Easter Eggers, but I also have Domoniques and my Leghorn who love to sit on my lap. The more time you can spend with them as chicks, the friendlier they tend to be.
